Springfield/Hannibal Trip Day 3

First opened to the public in 1887 Lincoln's home

contains some of the original items from the

household that was his home for 17 years.

From such humble beginnings in a

one room log cabin, this was truly

a mansion to this simple man.

We went on to the Old State Capital in Lincoln's day.

It has been restored with furnishings from the period

when Lincoln served in the U. S. House of Representatives.

Here he delivered his famous "House Divided" speech and

laid in state under the watchful eye of George Washington's

portrait in Representatives Hall.

This is also a State Historic Site.

We continued our tour of Springfield at the 

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum.

Truly a very kid friendly and hands on

type of museum.  It is the largest Presidential Museum

and the 1st major Experience Museum.

This is a depiction of the scene discussing

the Emancipation Proclamation with Lincoln's cabinet.

We headed back to Illinois the 

next morning to drop off Anthony

before going home to Indiana.

Total travel miles 747.

Springfield/Hannibal Trip Day 2

We toured the town of Hannibal to see

the Mark Twain/Tom Sawyer sites.

This is Twain's boyhood home. As you can

see it is designated a National Historic Landmark.

Anthony simulating the painting of Aunt Polly's

fence; ala Tom Sawyer.

Becky Thatcher's House.  Looks like

her family was a little better off.

There is a lot of Indian History in the area

and Indian folklore.  This commemorates the

story of a couple from different tribes who leaped to

their deaths rather than be separated by their tribes.

The infamous McDougal's Cave from

Tom Sawyer has been open to the

public since 1886; now known as Mark Twain Cave.

Just one mile south of downtown Hannibal.

It was 103 degrees today but the cave

was a welcoming 52.  This cave is a

National Natural Landmark.

After a roadside lunch we headed back to

Springfield to begin our all things Lincoln tour.

First stop was his tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

This is also on the National Register

of Historic Places.

We all were humbled and emotional

in this hallowed place. President Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd Lincoln and

three of their sons are buried here also; Edward,

Willie and Tad.  Their oldest son Robert is buried

at Arlington Cemetery as he served in

the Civil War.

Springfield, IL and Hannibal, MO trip w Anthony Day 1

Prior to our trips, Anthony likes

to download some movies for watching

in the car.  It's also a little R&R at our house.

 We left at 8am on 7/19 with 3,948 miles

on the car.  We like to travel Federal

highways when we can and this is the old

Route 66 that we paralleled through IL.

 Our first stop was the Illinois State House.

Truly the prettiest and most elaborate

of all the state capitals we've visited.

 We met the capital Sergeant at Arms and

he invited us onto the floor of the Senate.

Anthony was allowed up to the podium

to the President's seat.

 Recently renovated IL Supreme Court

Next stop; Hannibal, MO

After a dip in the pool on a very hot 100+ day,

we walked the 244 steps to the lighthouse.

This lighthouse was never used for navigation but

built as a memorial to Mark Twain to commemorate

his 100th birthday.  Beautiful view of the Mississippi

from up here.

Seven Pillars - Peru, Indiana

We took a Sunday drive to Peru, Indiana.

Water from the Mississinewa River carved out the Seven Pillars

in the limestone walls, and several small caves remain.

We had a picnic lunch at the reservoir just south of

this spot and dinner at Fair Oaks Farms.

 Really nice summer day.