Shelbyville CityWalk Presents – The Lincoln Memorial History Tour
About the Lincoln Memorial Tour
Shelby County became part of the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court system in 1841. City natives are proud that one of the circuit travelers was Abraham Lincoln, who went from town to town for 25 years, including four years to Shelbyville.
Lincoln never complained about the squalid taverns or impassable roads. Rather, it seemed that he thrived in harsh conditions, and his stamina would later support him during the Civil War. Every spring and fall he would start the circuit in a westerly direction. He would leave from Paris, 55 miles from Shelbyville. The trip would take him two or three days. He would spend nights at wayside inns or homes of settlers.
The State of Illinois is renowned as the Land of Lincoln. In Shelby County, finding Lincoln is no problem. This tour features significant Lincoln landmarks and wayside exhibits in Shelbyville, the Shelby County seat.
Enjoy! Let local residents share the making of the Lincoln Memorial tour and stories of Abraham Lincoln in Shelbyville.
At the Shelby County Courthouse (301 E Main St)
A – “Shelby County Courthouse”
Coming from Rte 16E, you will find the first stop of this tour at the magnificent Shelby County Courthouse. This is the 3rd county courthouse. It was dedicated April 3, 1883 – when the first court session was held. Judges Anthony Thornton and Samuel Moulton were speakers on that day. The Courthouse has a spire-like tower that rises 50’ above the roof and Grecian Statues, representing the Goddesses of Liberty & Justice. Hear about its history and see the historic photograph here.
B – “Lincoln-Thornton Statuary”
You will find this statuary, Let’s Debate, right by the Courthouse. The statues were dedicated August 9, 2009. According to artist and sculptor, John McClarey, “ ’Let’s Debate’ plays to both the historic debate in Shelbyville on August 9, 1856 between two political rivals, Abraham Lincoln and Anthony Thornton, and to the need for all of us to work together in a civil manner to find solutions to local, state, and national problems.” Listen to the audio to learn more about the statuary and the local volunteer efforts that made it possible.
C – “Lincoln-Thornton Debate Wayside Exhibit”
You will find this Wayside story board right by the Lincoln-Thornton Statuary. It illustrates one of Lincoln’s first public speeches after leaving the Whig Party to join the New Republican party. It also highlights the painting, by local artist Robert M. Root, that memorialized the famous Lincoln-Thornton Debate. Listen to the audio to learn more about the debate.
D – “Lincoln-Thornton Debate Painting”
Enter Courtroom A when Court is not in session (Hrs: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm) to view this historic painting by renowned local artist Robert M. Root. The 6’ x 8’ oil painting was completed in 1917 after 14 years of research and labor. Root’s connection to Lincoln became well-known through his painting of the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas Debate in Charleston, now in the IL state Capital. Critics have declared that Root’s portraits of Lincoln as shown in these two paintings are the best that have ever been painted. Listen to the audio to learn more about the panting and fun re-enactment done by local residents.
At the Lincoln Public Square (across from the Courthouse)
E – “Lincoln Public Square”
The Public Square was created for the purpose of erecting the Monument to Soldiers and Sailors, designed by local artist Robert M. Root. Dedicated in 1908, it was renamed Lincoln Square in 1922. You will also find the Eternal Flame honoring all who fought in war: a Monument to the world’s first automated hay-baler invented and produced in Shelbyville: and a Time Capsule dedicated in 1987. See a historic photo of the square here and listen to the audio to learn more about the public square and the historic markers.
F – “8th Judicial Circuit Marker”
On the NW corner of the square, you will find a granite slab with Lincoln’s profile and a bronze plaque marking the route Abraham Lincoln traveled as he rode the Circuit of the 8th Judicial District. Erected in 1921, the plaque marks the Lincoln Trail that is found in all county seats where Lincoln practiced law in his early days. The marker was presented to Shelby County by the Kuilka Chapter of the D.A.R. Here the audio to learn more about this historical marker.
G – “Shelby County Second Courthouse Marker”
You will find this historic marker on the SE corner of the square, on a large rock, called the Lincoln Boulder. It was dedicated February 12, 1923. It marks the spot where the 2nd Shelby County Courthouse stood from 1832-1881. It was here on August 9, 1856 that Lincoln and Thornton held their debate, for and against freedom in new territories. Here an audio about this historical marker and the 2nd county courthouse to learn more.
Around Shelbyville
H – “Abe at the Inn” (S. Washington St & E Main St)
You will find this painted figure by local artist Carol Kessler around the corner across from the Lincoln Public Square. The artwork portrays Abraham Lincoln taking time from his busy day to read a book to a young boy in Shelbyville. This painted figure was donated by Martha Mars in 2007. Hear the artist talk about the making of this painted figure to learn more.
I – “Traveling the Circuit Wayside Exhibit”
(Shelby County Office of Tourism, 315 E Main St)
Lincoln traveled 600 miles twice a year on the 8th Judicial Circuit to 16 counties, bordered by Pontiac, Springfield, Danville, and Shelbyville. While you’re here, visit the office to learn more about Lincoln’s history in Shelby County (Hrs: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm). Hear an audio about the exhibit to learn more.
J – “Anthony Thornton Wayside Exhibit & Home”
(315 E Main St – exhibit & 321 N Morgan St – home)
Built by attorney Anthony Thornton, this Early Classic Revival house is one of the oldest homes in Shelbyville. Mr. Thornton debated Lincoln, and served in the State Legislature, Congress, and the Illinois Supreme Court. He was also a founding member and the first President of the Illinois State Bar Association. Current owner: Sarah Bitzer. Hear an audio about this exhibit to learn more.
K – “Lincoln’s Court Cases Wayside Exhibit”
(will be at Sister City Mini Park, Downtown)
Lincoln handled 35 cases in Shelby County between 1849 & 1853. This exhibit has the history of a murder case against John Crockett, great-nephew of Frontiersman and Alamo Hero, Davy Crockett. Built in 1993, this park honors IHI Turbo America plant and its “Sister City” in Okuwa Village, Japan. Here an audio about the exhibit to learn more.
L – “Samuel W. Moulton Wayside Exhibit & Home”
(315 E Main St – exhibit & 607 S Broadway St – home)
This Italianate house was built before 1875, and was home to “the Father of Education” in Illinois, Mr. Samuel Moulton. As a Legislator, Mr. Moulton authored the bill to establish free public schools in Illinois. He also introduced Lincoln while promoting the cause of his Democratic Party at the 1856 Lincoln-Thornton Debate in Shelbyville. Current owner: David Palmer. Listen to the audio and see an old postcard of this historic home to learn more.
M – “Lincoln Room” (151 S Wahington St – SCHGS)
Dedicated to Rebecca W. Freeman in 2009, this is one of several “theme” rooms at the Shelby County Historical and Genealogical Society. Come and learn about Lincoln’s influence in Shelby County as he traveled the Circuit, applying his legal expertise and making friends with local citizens. Take an audio tour of the Lincoln Room now and schedule a visit to SCHGS.(Hrs: see below)
Learn More About Abraham Lincoln’s history in Shelbyville
Visit the Shelby County Historic and Genealogical Society (217-774-2260) on Tuesday 5pm-7pm, Wednesday and Saturday 9am-12pm or email them at [email protected] for details. For information on all CityWalk tours, please contact Shelby County Tourism (217-774-2244), and USACE Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center (217-774-3951).
A printable PDF version of this tour is available here.