Discover
OUR HISTORY
ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S DAYS IN MENARD COUNTY
Abraham Lincoln lived in the village of New Salem, currently Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Site, from 1831 - 1837. Lincoln stopped in Athens, Illinois in the eastern part of the county during his trips to Springfield as this was the shortest route. While in the legislature, Mr. Lincoln worked to establish the boundary lines that have separated Menard from Sangamon county since 1839.
Lincoln’s New Salem is located two miles south of Petersburg on IL Route 97, just 20 miles from Springfield, Illinois. The park is open year ‘round and offers self-guided tours through the restored village. Interpreters can often be seen in period clothing and tell the stories of the individual cabins and life in the 1830s during Lincoln’s time here. The village is home to major festivals throughout the year and hosts Theatre in the Park with outdoor performances throughout the summers.
EMIQUON/DICKSON MOUNDS TOUR
STARHILL FOREST TOUR
Lincoln's New Salem
From 1831 to 1837, New Salem played an important role in young Abraham Lincoln’s transformation from unskilled laborer to lawyer. The village was a crucial stop on Lincoln’s path to becoming the nation’s most revered statesman. The New Salem Lincoln League works to help promote and preserve this reconstructed village.
April thru October, open 7 days per week, 9am to 5pm.
November thru March, open Wednesday thru Sunday, 9am to 5pm.
15588 History Ln, Petersburg (MAP)
PHONE: (217) 632-4000
Historic Marbold Farmstead
The Historic Marbold Farmstead is a treasured jewel in Menard County, Illinois. This was the central hub of the Marbold family farmland holdings, which consisted of over 4,000 acres. It was virtually self-sufficient, with several barns, dairy, chicken house, smoke house, ice house, boiler house and pump house. The original house, called Elmwood, was build in 1850 by John Marbold, a German immigrant and prominent Greenview farmer and businessman. Restoration efforts are underway.
501 S. State St. Greenview (MAP)
Phone: 217-968-5808
Hours vary
Menard County Courthouse
Walking around the Menard County Courthouse in downtown Petersburg, Illinois is like going back in time and reliving history. Once inside, there are many historical documents and artifacts on display. Right across the street is a Looking for Lincoln storyboard that tells the story of this point in which Lincoln surveyed the land that is now Petersburg.
OPEN: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:30AM-4:30PM
102 South Seventh Street, Petersburg (MAP)
(217) 632-2415
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Poet Edgar Lee Master's Home
This nondescript, cottage-style home that houses many of Masters' first editions, correspondence, photos and his writing desk from the Chelsea Hotel in New York where he resided in his later years. For years Masters had been sending poems to Reedy’s Mirror, a St. Louis-based magazine. Through an idea they shared he came up with his most famous piece, the Spoon River Anthology. He based his characters on real locals from his time in Petersburg and Lewistown.
Open from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Tues. Thurs.-Sat. Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Corner of 8th & Jackson St, Petersburg
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Menard County Historical Society
The Menard County Historical Society is located on the historic square across the street where a young Abraham Lincoln surveyed land that became the town of Petersburg, Illinois. Contained within the Frackleton Building (circa 1865) are displays, photos, artifacts and a venue for conducting research. We welcome you to town and hope that you'll take in the many Historic sites and tourist stops.
Friday - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm and Saturday - 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
125 South Seventh Street, Petersburg (MAP)