Traversing the Trails: Illinois

River Road

We headed to Springfield, Illinois to participate in the 150th Anniversary recreation of the Abraham Lincoln funeral recreation. That allowed us to explore a portion of the Great River Road between Louisiana, Missouri and Quincy, Illinois. Lots to see and explore, especially in Quincy, a hotbed of architectural preservation.

Lincoln's New Salem

Abraham Lincoln lived in the Village of New Salem, Illinois in the 1830's. In the 1930's the village was restored and is now a state park. It is a great place to visit to get a feel for how life was in the time of Abraham Lincoln's early years.

Lincoln doing survey work

Cooper-smith shop for barrel making

Buckets and barrels were made in this shop

One of the interpreters explaining the history of the community

Another interpreter showing demonstrating teaching of the era

Wheelwright shop showing the manufacture of wheels of the era

The original Lincoln store

Inside of the Lincoln store

Examples of goods for sale

Getting the gardens ready for the season

Taking a break

They have a gift shop full of articles of the era, many of which are made in the village

This interpreter explained how they roasted their own coffee

Funeral Reenactment

Reenactors are a part of the recreation of Civil War events. Both civilian and military reenactors were a part of the recreation of the Lincoln funeral.

We gathered early in the morning for a bus ride to the gathering point

It is so interesting to see folks in Civil War era clothing waiting for a bus

On the bus

Julie in front of the historic former state capital

Dogwoods were in bloom

We didn't expect to be stopped repeatedly and asked to pose for pictures

The funeral hearse was recreated for this event

The detail was exquisite

The funeral procession

Civilian reenactors followed the funeral hearse

Camps were set up in Lincoln park

Sutlers had their goods on sale

My cousin Phillip was shopping for a replacement of his 37 year old military frock coat

He was successful in finding one of the correct size

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

We stopped in to see the Abraham Lincoln museum. It is an especially well done museum with exhibits of each phase of Lincoln's life. Of special interest are full size manequins of various folks influential in his life.