Attractions

The attractions included in this section span many architectural styles, from simple (Elijah Iles House) to ornate (State Capitol) and traditional (Edwards Place) to modern (Dana-Thomas House). The oldest (Elijah Iles House) dates to 1838, the newest (Thomas Rees Carillon) to 1962. Some of the buildings also have a Lincoln connection. At the Elijah Iles House, Mr. Lincoln is said to have visited and played cards when the home belonged to Robert Irwin, his friend and personal banker. Moved to its current site in 2004, the property was blockaded by the local disability community at its grand reopening. As a result it now has reserved parking, a ramp, and a lift at the rear entrance. Edwards Place, the oldest house in Springfield on its original foundation, was in Lincoln’s time the center of the city’s political and social life. It is owned by the Springfield Art Association with access through their galleries. Here one can see the authentic “Lincoln Courting Couch” from the period before the Lincolns' marriage. Mr. Lincoln also attended events at the Executive Mansion, the official residence of Illinois governors since 1855. Furniture belonging to the Lincolns can be seen on the guided tour.