Unveiling Lincoln's Quincy Connection
Step into a defining chapter of American history and uncover the bond between Abraham Lincoln and Quincy. Lincoln spent pivotal moments in this city long before he became the 16th President, strengthening his political ideals and forging lasting connections.
Discover how Quincy influenced Lincoln's journey, from his days practicing law to engaging in historic political debates that eventually helped define the nation.
The Lincoln Gallery: A Historical Gem
The Lincoln Gallery contains an impressive array of Lincoln-related artifacts. Among the treasures on display are prison artifacts from the assassination conspirators, once showcased in the Blood on the Moon exhibit at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, as well as a piece of the Lincoln family's china and a commission signed by Lincoln himself.
The gallery also features items from the Society’s Browning collection and 72 beautifully reproduced images, paintings, and documents that capture key moments of Lincoln's life. Gallery displays include:
- Early Friends and Influences
- Growth of the Republican Party Leads Lincoln to Quincy
- Lincoln and Douglas Debate in Quincy
- The Road to the White House
- Political Patronage / Quincians at the White House
- Quincy Mourns the Death of Lincoln
Made possible through grants from the CFM Foundation, the Quincy Society of Fine Arts, and the Illinois Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, this exhibit is a must-see for history lovers.
Plan Your Visit
A visit to the Lincoln Gallery is included on the tour of the Governor John Wood Mansion, located at 425 South 12th St.
For those who wish to focus specifically on the Lincoln Gallery, separate tours can be arranged to suit your schedule and interests. To schedule a tour, contact the HSQAC Office at 217-222-1835.
Admission Prices
HSQAC members may tour all sites free of charge. Become a member today.
- $10 - Adults
- $5 - Students under 18
- Children under 6 are free
Large tour groups, clubs and organizations, church groups and youth groups are always welcome, but reservations are necessary. Please contact the HSQAC Office at 217-222-1835 for details.
Museum Hours
The John Wood Mansion complex is open for tours Monday-Friday, 10am - 2:30pm. Saturday tours must be scheduled with the office during the week prior to your visit.
Parking
Free parking is available in the lot to the east behind the mansion.
Other Lincoln Stops In Quincy
History Museum on the Square
Address: 332 Maine St
The History Museum on the Square, housed in Quincy's historic 1888 public library building, showcases the city's rich heritage through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore Quincy's development from its early settlers to a thriving Mississippi River town. With a number of rotating and permanent exhibits, the museum offers a comprehensive look at Quincy's cultural and historical significance.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate Site
Address: East Side of Washington Park
Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas captivated Illinois in 1858 with their heated campaign for a U.S. Senate seat. The rivals agreed to a series of seven debates across the state, with Quincy playing host to the sixth. The Sesquicentennial Plaza commemorates the Lincoln-Douglas Debate in Washington Park and was rededicated by the community and Quincy’s Lincoln Bicentennial Commission in 2008.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate Interpretive Center
Address: 128 N 5th St
The Lincoln-Douglas Debate Interpretive Center, located across from the debate site, was dedicated in October 2009 by the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition and Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. It features the Turning Point Exhibit, an eight-sided kiosk that explains the sixth debate's significance in defining the morality of slavery and propelling Lincoln to national prominence. The Center serves as a lasting tribute to the debate and Lincoln's impact on Quincy's history.
Dr. Richard Eells House
Address: 415 Jersey St
The Dr. Richard Eells House, built in 1835, showcases a blend of Federal/Greek Revival and Italianate architectural styles. This historic home played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, earning recognition from the U.S. Department of Interior and National Parks Service as one of the 42 most significant Underground Railroad sites nationwide. While not directly linked to Lincoln, it represents the era's pivotal struggle against slavery that shaped his political career.
Lincoln-Era Log Cabin Village
Address: 1419 Bonansinga Dr
The Lincoln-Era Log Cabin Village on Quinsippi Island features seven original 19th-century cabins, including the 1850 Clat Adams Log Cabin named for a local riverboat captain and storekeeper. These structures, some professionally restored by the Friends of the Log Cabins group, offer visitors a glimpse into the frontier lifestyle of Lincoln's time. The village immerses visitors in the rugged pioneer experience that shaped Illinois' settlers during its formative years.
Woodland Cemetery
Address: 1020 S 5th St
Woodland Cemetery, a majestic Victorian burial ground overlooking the Mississippi River, is the final resting place for many of Lincoln's Quincy associates. Its rolling terrain, winding drives, and ornate monuments create a serene historical landscape. Notable interments include John Wood, Quincy's founder; Sarah Denman, a pioneer in local healthcare; and several of Lincoln's friends who played crucial roles in his political career and presidency.
Organizations Working to Preserve, Interpret, & Promote the Lincoln Legacy
Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area (ALNHA)
The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, located in 43 counties in central Illinois, is a nationally significant network of sites working to preserve, interpret, and promote the heritage and culture of the area in the context of Lincoln’s life and times while improving life for residents. The ALNHA was enacted by Congress and signed by the President on May 10, 2008. The legislation designates the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, to manage the national heritage area. Both the coalition and national heritage area cover the same area and share the same mission. VISIT THEIR SITE >
Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition (LFLHC)
The Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition is a consortium of Illinois communities and sites that share the legacy of Abraham Lincoln. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to working collaboratively with local, state, and national partners across the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area to tell the stories of Lincoln’s life and times, to provide first class experiences for visitors and economic opportunities for communities, and to improve the quality of life for residents. The LFLHC staff works with LFL working groups to provide the tools and resources needed to tell each community’s Lincoln story and promote economic development. VISIT THEIR SITE >
Quincy’s Lincoln Legacy (QLL)
Quincy’s Lincoln Legacy is a Looking for Lincoln working group, a LFL partner, and Quincy’s voice in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. An LFL working group is the local heart of the ALNHA and includes a range of stakeholders from the community. QLL is composed of representatives of Quincy sites related to the life and times of Abraham Lincoln, community organizations, and the City of Quincy as well as other interested individuals. Our LFL working group implements ALNHA initiatives, programs, and projects within our community, and QLL members are ambassadors for the ALNHA. While QLL undertakes local endeavors, its goals align with the goals of the ALNHA.
