Looking for Lincoln
Few places in Illinois played a more important role in shaping the political rise of Abraham Lincoln than Bloomington-Normal. During the years leading up to his presidency, Lincoln frequently visited the community, building relationships and finding strong support among local leaders and residents.
Some of Lincoln’s closest friends and influential allies lived here, including Jesse Fell and David Davis. Their encouragement, and the backing of many in the community, helped propel Lincoln’s political career onto the national stage.
Today, visitors can explore these connections through the Looking for Lincoln experience, part of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. Throughout Bloomington-Normal, interpretive sites highlight the places where Lincoln stayed, worked, and met with supporters. Together, they tell the story of how this community helped shape one of the most influential leaders in American history.
A key stop on your Lincoln journey is the David Davis Mansion, the historic home of Judge David Davis. A trusted friend, political advisor, and later a U.S. Supreme Court justice, Davis played a significant role in Lincoln’s career. Built in 1872 and often called “Clover Lawn,” the 36-room Victorian mansion was once a center of social and political life in McLean County. Today, visitors can tour the beautifully preserved home and learn more about the friendship and influence that helped shape Lincoln’s path.
For a deeper dive into local history, follow the Looking for Lincoln audio tour highlighting sites across Bloomington-Normal. The tour presents Lincoln as a returning visitor, reflecting on the places he knew and the people who helped shape his journey. Whether you explore the route by car or listen from home, it’s a unique way to experience Lincoln’s story in the places where it happened.
Audio tour CDs are available at the McLean County Museum of History, located in downtown Bloomington.
While visiting the Looking for Lincoln sites, stop by the McLean County Museum of History to collect a special cancellation stamp as part of the National Park Service Passport Program. Travelers can bring their National Park Service passport to participating sites across the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area to record their visit.
Just like an international passport, each cancellation stamp includes the name of the community and the date you visited, making it a meaningful keepsake from your Lincoln adventure in Bloomington-Normal.
Asahel Gridley Bank and Miller-Davis Buildings
101-103 North Main Street and 102-104 East Front Street, Bloomington, 61701
Lincoln often visited the law offices of his friend, Judge David Davis, and the bank owned by Asahel Gridley.
David Davis Mansion
1000 Monroe Drive, Bloomington, 61701
309.828.1084
This 19th century, 36 room estate was the home of Judge David Davis and his family. His influence on Lincoln’s legal and political career was crucial to the president’s success.
Illinois State University
200 South University Street, Normal, 61761
309.438.2111
Illinois’ first public university was founded in 1857 with legal assistance from Lincoln.
Jesse Fell Home
Corner of Broadway and Irving Streets, Normal, 61761
Fell’s home served as a gathering place for Lincoln’s friends and allies as they planned election strategies.
Lincoln’s Real Estate
Corner of Jefferson and McLean Streets, Bloomington, 61701
Two lots at this site were owned by Lincoln for nearly five years.
Lincoln and the Illinois Central Railroad
916 East Grove Street, Bloomington, 61701
Lincoln won a case for the railroad, and was then forced to sue the company for his fee.
Major’s Hall
Southwest Corner of East and Front Streets, Bloomington, 61701
On May 29, 1856 Lincoln delivered what would later be known as the “lost speech,” so-named because only a few phrases of it appeared in print. Lincoln spoke out against the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which launched him as the leader of the Illinois Republican Party.
McLean County Museum of History
200 North Main Street Bloomington, 61701
309.827.0428
The original courthouse where Lincoln practiced law burned down in 1900, but a new building was constructed on the same site. It houses over 1500 linear feet of archives.
The National Hotel
West Front Street, Bloomington, 61701
Lincoln stayed in this hotel that was owned by his friend, John Ewing, who was later elected mayor of Bloomington.
Pike House
Southeast Corner of Center and Monroe Streets, Bloomington, 61701
On the evening of May 28, 1856, Lincoln spoke from the portico of the Pike House Hotel. The hotel was lost to a fire in the early 1860s.
The Phoenix Block
106 West Washington Street, Bloomington, 61701
Jesse Fell invited Lincoln to the law office of his brother, Kersey Fell, to try and persuade him to write an autobiography to help promote his presidential candidacy.
Rosie’s Bar and Grill
106 East Front Street, Bloomington 61701
309.827.7019
The second floor of this present day restaurant was home to Asahel Gridley’s law practice. Lincoln worked with Gridley in his office, and when Gridley gave up his law practice he turned it over to Lincoln.
William “Billy the Barber” Florville
624 North Main Street, Bloomington, 61701
William was Lincoln’s most well-known African-American friend. He owned several lots at this corner.