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© Abraham Lincoln OnlineExecutive Mansion
410 E. Jackson Street
Springfield, IllinoisLincoln in Springfield Photo Tour
This red brick Italianate mansion in downtown Springfield has been the home of Illinois governors since 1855, when Joel A. Matteson and his family moved in. He was followed by William Bissell, who received the Lincolns at several large parties before they left for Washington.
On February 13, 1857, the Lincolns attended a party which a writer from the Illinois State Journal called "a delightful and magnificent entertainment, Governor and Mrs. Bissell doing the honors of host and hostess with an ease and grace which attracted and pleased all who were present ... Throughout the evening, a fine brass and string band discoursed most delicious music, and the dancers kept the cotillions filled until a late hour."
© Abraham Lincoln OnlineCarefully restored in 1971, the building houses many treasures. When you walk inside, you immediately see the exquisite elliptical stairway which leads to spacious rooms decorated in British Regency style. Once upstairs you can see portraits of the Lincolns and their friend Edward D. Baker, a bust of Lincoln modeled from life by Thomas D. Jones, bedroom furniture given to the Lincolns, and a spectacular table presented to President Lincoln which contains more than 20,000 pieces of inlaid wood.
Hours: Portions of the building are open for tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 to 3:15 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. For tour information, call 217/782-6450.
Related Links
Executive Mansion Tour (State of Illinois)
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