An Astonishing Amount of Abraham Lincoln History in One Place

New Salem - Lincoln's first home; Ann Rutledge's grave and creating myth around it; Clayville stagecoach stop and Lincoln train depot; Springfield's capitol - tearing down and rebuilding it; Lincoln's law office and home - future president fights a duel!; visiting Lincoln's tomb and the storyteller who lived there.

Welcome to View Master Travels with Dave! Join us on a fascinating journey as we explore vintage View-Master set 5561, "LincolnLand." In this video, we delve into the actual locations depicted in this three-reel set with a booklet published in 1971. Come along as we uncover the secrets of these historic places and discover their present-day charm.

Our first stop takes us to "The Rutledge-Camron saw and grist mill" located on the site of New Salem, a small frontier village along the Sangamon River. Learn about Abraham Lincoln's connection to this village, where he lived for four years and operated a general store. Witness the rise and fall of New Salem and the eventual restoration of the town as a "living museum" by the Old Salem Chautauqua and newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst.

Next, we visit the gravesite of Ann Rutledge at Oakland Cemetery in Petersburg, Illinois. Discover the morbid history surrounding Ann Rutledge, Lincoln's first love, and the controversial decision to move her remains to attract visitors to the cemetery. Despite its unusual past, the site remains well-preserved after 110 years.

Our journey continues to the Clayville stagecoach stop in Pleasant Plains. Explore the Broadwell Inn, one of the oldest brick buildings in the county, and learn about its restoration by Dr. Emmett and Mary Pearson as a museum. Although there is no significant Lincoln connection, the Pearson's efforts align with the heritage tourism boom and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

Join us as we step into history at the train depot from where Lincoln left for Washington in 1861. Discover the ups and downs of this museum's financial struggles and its recent revitalization under the ownership of a local lawyer. Experience the significance of this historic landmark, which now partners with the National Park Service.

We then explore the Old State Capitol building in Springfield, where Lincoln pleaded cases, delivered speeches, and lay in state after his death. Dive into the building's restoration process driven by architect Earl Henderson, state historian Clyde Walton, and Illinois Governor Otto Kerner. Witness the remarkable transformation of the Capitol building, now preserved as it was during Lincoln's time.

Step into Lincoln's shoes as we visit his law office across the street from the old capitol. Learn about Lincoln's duel with James Shields and the building's restoration in the late 1960s. Witness its transformation into a tourist information center and a replica of Lincoln's office.

Our journey takes us to Lincoln's Springfield home, purchased in 1844 and donated to the state in 1887. Explore the preservation efforts undertaken to protect the site from nearby development. Discover the challenges faced by the Abraham Lincoln Museum, which stood across the street from the home, and its eventual settlement with the state.

Finally, we conclude our adventure at Lincoln's tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield. Explore the grandeur of this tomb, adorned with various replicas of Lincoln statues from around the world. Experience the popularity of this destination, where visitors pay their respects to the great leader.

Join us as we uncover the secrets of "LincolnLand" and witness the timeless allure of these historic locations. Don't miss out on this immersive journey through history. Subscribe now and hit the notification bell to be notified of future episodes.

Most documentation found either at the Library of Congress, the National Register of Historic Places, or primary sources owned by the author.

“LincolnLand” article from the Chicago Tribune.

Ann Rutledge original graves from FindAGrave.com

Picture of Herbert Fay from State Journal Register

Special reference to “A Shrine for President Lincoln: An Analysis of Lincoln Museums and Historic Sites, 1865-2015” by Thomas D. Mackie Jr. https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/disser...

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