The building is absolutely beautiful with a central hall and grand staircase. The rooms are decorated with original furniture from when the capitol was bustling with activity.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Old State Capitol - The Last Stop on This Journey
The last stop before heading back to Chicago was the Old State Capitol in Springfield. This is the building that Abraham Lincoln worked in before becoming president. In fact, right in front of the capitol is the law office of Lincoln that is currently being restored.
The building is absolutely beautiful with a central hall and grand staircase. The rooms are decorated with original furniture from when the capitol was bustling with activity.
The building is absolutely beautiful with a central hall and grand staircase. The rooms are decorated with original furniture from when the capitol was bustling with activity.
Monday, August 22, 2016
Snake Bridge
Some of the best places on today's Route 66 are the ones that show the age of the road. Just south of Springfield is Lick Creek Preserve that includes Snake Bridge.
Getting to the park area is interesting. First you feel like you are in someone's driveway. Then you are on a dirt and gravel road with huge potholes! If you ever visit, be very careful.
Eventually, you come to the end of the road where a gate prohibits cars from going any further. The road is a very old piece of the Mother Road. Built in 1905, it was replaced by another bridge and forgotten. After walking over the bridge, you see parts of the road including old curbs peeking out from the forest of folliage. The road fades into a forest of trees (and mosquitos!).
Getting to the park area is interesting. First you feel like you are in someone's driveway. Then you are on a dirt and gravel road with huge potholes! If you ever visit, be very careful.
Eventually, you come to the end of the road where a gate prohibits cars from going any further. The road is a very old piece of the Mother Road. Built in 1905, it was replaced by another bridge and forgotten. After walking over the bridge, you see parts of the road including old curbs peeking out from the forest of folliage. The road fades into a forest of trees (and mosquitos!).
The Cozy Dog
Lincoln's Tomb
Lincoln's Tomb is located at Oak Ridge Cemetary just north of the downtown area of Springfield. It is the final resting place for President Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four sons. The other son is buried at Arlington Cemetary per his wife's request.
The tomb is a large structure comprised of a large central spire towering from a two level main structure adorned with statues.
The center door of the tomb leads you inside. The interior is lined throughout with marble from many states and countries. The inside is circular. The back of the circular area is where Lincoln lies. His actual remains lay 10 feet under the tomb. The remains were moved under the tomb in 1876 after two criminals tried to steal the remains.
A bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln stands in front of the tomb. It is said to be good luck to rub the nose of Lincoln. Notice that the nose is bright and shiny compared to the bronze patina of the rest of the bust.
The tomb is a large structure comprised of a large central spire towering from a two level main structure adorned with statues.
The center door of the tomb leads you inside. The interior is lined throughout with marble from many states and countries. The inside is circular. The back of the circular area is where Lincoln lies. His actual remains lay 10 feet under the tomb. The remains were moved under the tomb in 1876 after two criminals tried to steal the remains.
A bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln stands in front of the tomb. It is said to be good luck to rub the nose of Lincoln. Notice that the nose is bright and shiny compared to the bronze patina of the rest of the bust.
Lincoln Museum
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is a very nice experience of the life of President Lincoln. It showcases a journey through his beginnings, a one room log cabin; his journey to the Whitehouse; and his untimely death. The Lincoln family even greets you in the main rotunda. I really enjoy this museum!
Lincoln's Home
The only house that Abraham Lincoln ever owned is in Springfield, Illinois. It sits just one block off of Route 66 in the downtown area. Tours of the house are ran by the National Park Service. So, if you decide to go, make sure you go to the Visitors Center first to obtain a free ticket for the tour.
The house is restored to the time when the Lincoln's resided there. Many of the furniture pieces are the actual ones that the Lincoln's owned. During the tour, the guide will tell you to use the handrails when going up and down stairs. Afterall, you are touching the same rails that Abraham Lincoln touched. The tour is not that long, but it is well worth visiting.
The house is restored to the time when the Lincoln's resided there. Many of the furniture pieces are the actual ones that the Lincoln's owned. During the tour, the guide will tell you to use the handrails when going up and down stairs. Afterall, you are touching the same rails that Abraham Lincoln touched. The tour is not that long, but it is well worth visiting.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Entering the Land of Lincoln
Lincoln, Illinois, welcomes visitors with a 12-foot tall Abe Lincoln in a 24-foot tall covered wagon. For us, it is a reminder that the next couple of days is mainly about immersing ourselves in the history of President Lincoln.
Atlanta.... Illinois That Is
Atlanta is a very small town on the Mother Road. The three things that I think are a must see are the octogonal library, the hot dog man, and the place for the best pie!
On this trip, the library was finally open. They have limited hours. The octogonal-shaped library serves just 2,200 people and was built in 1908. In the 2012-2013 timeframe, the library underwent a project to bring it back to its original decor inside. It's a beautiful building with high arches, sitting areas, and antiques.
The Palms Grill is the place for the best pie. The diner was opened in 1934 along the Mother Road. It has been restored to the feel of yesteryears where there are small tables with vinyl seats, a long counter with stools, and some vintage decor to complete the look. The food is a good diner selection; however, what they are known for is the homemade pie. We stopped in just for pie. The peach pie was wonderful!
The Palms Grill is the place for the best pie. The diner was opened in 1934 along the Mother Road. It has been restored to the feel of yesteryears where there are small tables with vinyl seats, a long counter with stools, and some vintage decor to complete the look. The food is a good diner selection; however, what they are known for is the homemade pie. We stopped in just for pie. The peach pie was wonderful!
Found Elvis at Dixie!
Dixie is the famous truck stop on the Mother Road. It may look a bit similar to the one in the movie Cars. If you have not seen Cars, what are you waiting for???
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