Lincoln Depot (Great Western Depot)
The historic train depot where Abraham Lincoln delivered his poignant farewell address before becoming president.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
Lincoln Depot (Great Western Depot)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The historic train depot where Abraham Lincoln delivered his poignant farewell address before becoming president.
"Stand where Lincoln gave his farewell address – a must-see for any Lincoln history enthusiast!"
Check Operating Hours
Hours can vary seasonally. Confirm opening times before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Imagine the Farewell
Stand on the platform and envision Lincoln's historic farewell address. It's a powerful moment. :speech_balloon:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lincoln's Farewell Address Site
The platform where Lincoln stood
Stand where Abraham Lincoln delivered his poignant farewell speech before becoming president. Feel the weight of history.
Historical Context & Plaques
Exterior and interior displays
Learn about Lincoln's departure and the historical significance of this train depot. Informative displays bring the past to life.
Abe Lincoln Doppelganger
At the Depot
Meet a Lincoln doppelganger who reenacts the farewell address. A unique and memorable photo opportunity for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Lincoln's Farewell
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Operating Hours
Hours can vary seasonally. Confirm opening times before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Imagine the Farewell
Stand on the platform and envision Lincoln's historic farewell address. It's a powerful moment. :speech_balloon:
Photo Ops with Abe
If available, meet the Lincoln doppelganger for a fun photo op and a reenactment. :camerawithflash:
Combine with Other Sites
This is an essential stop when visiting other Lincoln sites in Springfield. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Operating Hours
Hours can vary seasonally. Confirm opening times before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Imagine the Farewell
Stand on the platform and envision Lincoln's historic farewell address. It's a powerful moment. :speech_balloon:
Photo Ops with Abe
If available, meet the Lincoln doppelganger for a fun photo op and a reenactment. :camerawithflash:
Combine with Other Sites
This is an essential stop when visiting other Lincoln sites in Springfield. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Lincoln Depot a significant historical site, particularly for its connection to Abraham Lincoln's farewell address. While some note it's a brief stop, the opportunity to stand where history was made and potentially meet a Lincoln doppelganger makes it a memorable experience, especially when combined with other Lincoln attractions in Springfield.
"An excellent train station. We were able to meet the owner who was gracious. Abraham Lincoln made his farewell address here. The doppelganger of Abe also reiterated the address in period clothing. Afterwards we were able to take pictures with him. What a treat! My grandchildren really enjoyed the time spent in Springfield, so did I."
Tanya Fook-Marshall
"Abraham Lincoln left Springfield, Illinois, on February 11, 1861, after residing here for twenty four years, to begin his journey to Washington D.C. for his inauguration as President. He delivered his farewell address at the Great Western Depot.
Assigned to protect Lincoln on his train journey to Washington, DC was America’s first female detective—Kate Warne, a true unsung hero working for the Pinkerton Detective Agency out of Chicago, IL. But her most famous case was the Baltimore Plot, where she helped stop an assassination plot against Abraham Lincoln.
In 1861, Lincoln was on a railroad whistle-stop tour from Illinois to Washington, D.C. before his inauguration. During this time, she went undercover at secessionist parties in Baltimore and was able to uncover the assassination plot. After passing the information over to Pinkerton, Lincoln was posed as an invalid traveling on a night train to Washington D.C., with Warne acting as his caregiver and sister. They slipped through Baltimore undetected and they were able to evade those intended on murdering Lincoln.
Warne’s career was filled with triumphs and success, marking her as a leader in investigations — a field overwhelmingly run by men during that time. Highly praised by Allan Pinkerton himself, she continues to be a source of inspiration."
Lance Sheridan
"Well it's fitting that this depot now be the offices of a law firm, considering that Lincoln was a lawyer. Nice little area on the first floor for photos and an informative video."
Andy Chandler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lincoln Depot is located in Springfield, Illinois. It's easily accessible by car and is often visited as part of a larger tour of Lincoln-related sites in the city. Parking is generally available nearby.
Yes, the Lincoln Depot is a key stop on many historical tours of Springfield, Illinois, focusing on Abraham Lincoln's life and legacy. It's often visited alongside Lincoln's Home and the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Lincoln Depot is often free, but it's essential to check the official operating hours and any potential admission fees, as these can change seasonally. Some visitors have noted being let in early outside of the official season.
Operating hours for the Lincoln Depot can vary, especially by season. It's recommended to check the official website or local tourism information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Information on accessibility for the Lincoln Depot can be limited online. It's advisable to contact the site directly or check with local Springfield tourism resources for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
At the Lincoln Depot, you can stand on the platform where Abraham Lincoln delivered his farewell address, read historical markers, and learn about the significance of this departure point. Some visits include a doppelganger reenacting the speech.
A visit to the Lincoln Depot is usually brief, often taking around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in the historical context and if you engage with any reenactments or displays.
While some visitors mention gift shops at other Lincoln sites in Springfield, the Lincoln Depot itself is primarily a historical site focused on the farewell address. You might find souvenirs at nearby Lincoln attractions.
Yes, photography is generally permitted at the Lincoln Depot, especially of the exterior and the platform area. If a Lincoln doppelganger is present, you may have opportunities for photos with them.
🎫 👨👩👧👦 Family Activities
The Lincoln Depot can be interesting for children, especially if they are learning about American history. The doppelganger reenactment can be particularly engaging for younger visitors.
Absolutely! Springfield offers numerous family-friendly Lincoln attractions, including Lincoln's Home, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and Lincoln's Tomb, all of which can be combined with a visit to the Depot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining your visit to the Depot with other family-friendly Lincoln sites in Springfield. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum offers interactive exhibits, and Lincoln's Home provides a tangible connection to his life. These combined experiences can create a well-rounded and educational outing for the whole family.
🏛️ History Buffs & Enthusiasts
To maximize your experience, research the farewell address beforehand and consider visiting other Lincoln-related sites in Springfield. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of Lincoln's life, his time in Springfield, and the challenges he faced. The depot serves as a powerful starting point for a deeper dive into his legacy.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Farewell Address
This address is considered one of Lincoln's most significant speeches, reflecting his deep connection to Springfield and his understanding of the immense challenges ahead. Visitors can stand on the platform and imagine the scene, feeling the historical weight of that moment. The depot itself, though now serving other purposes, remains a tangible link to this pivotal event.
Some visitors have the unique opportunity to witness a doppelganger of Abraham Lincoln reenact this farewell speech, adding a vivid and personal dimension to the historical experience. This performance helps bring the past to life, allowing visitors to connect with Lincoln's story on a more emotional level.
Beyond the Depot: Exploring Springfield's Lincoln Legacy
Key sites include Lincoln's Home, the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned, which offers a glimpse into his domestic life before the presidency. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum provides an in-depth look at his presidency, the Civil War, and his enduring impact. Finally, Lincoln's Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery offers a solemn and impressive final resting place.
Many visitors recommend dedicating at least a full day, or even a weekend, to fully experience Springfield's Lincoln attractions. This allows ample time to absorb the history, visit multiple sites, and truly appreciate Lincoln's profound connection to the city. Planning your itinerary to include the Depot as part of a broader exploration will provide the most comprehensive understanding of his legacy.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit