Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area

The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area spans 43 counties across central Illinois and protects sites tied to Lincoln's legal and political work. The region contains preserved buildings, documents, and historical records that document his 30 years of activity in the state.

Congress designated the area in 2008 to document Lincoln's life in Illinois from 1830 to 1860. This designation recognized the importance of these locations for understanding Lincoln's development before his presidency.

Communities throughout the region maintain collections of artifacts and preserved buildings that reflect Lincoln's time in Illinois. These places tell local stories that show how Lincoln influenced the towns where he worked and lived.

The region is large and spread across many counties, so a car is useful for visiting different locations. Information centers at various sites help plan routes between major places in the area.

Seven locations within this area hosted the famous 1858 debates between Lincoln and his political rival Stephen Douglas. These debates were turning points in American political history and drew major public attention at the time.