One of many statues honoring Abraham Lincoln in Springfield is in Union Square Park. In the background is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, right, and the Union Station Visitor Center.

Washington Post photo by Andrea Sachs

Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield is a popular with visitors. Springfield, 200 miles south of Chicago, claims to contain more Lincoln sites than any other destination in the country.

Washington Post photo by Andrea Sachs

Several Abraham Lincoln historic sites in Illinois fan out along an easy-to-navigate grid in Springfield's modest downtown. The Old State Capitol is where Lincoln served as state legislator, delivered his "House Divided" speech in the Senate race against Stephen Douglas and lay in state in May 1865 drawing 75,000 mourners.

Washington Post photo by Andrea Sachs

A replica of Abraham Lincoln in 1861, and the White House, is seen by visitors as they enter the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield.

Associated Press file photo

A youngster stretches to rub the nose of Abraham Lincoln, for good luck as tradition has it, while attending Lincoln's Tomb in Springfield.

Associated Press file photo

The sun rises behind the Illinois' Old State Capitol in Springfield. Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous 1858 "House Divided" speech inside Representatives Hall and used the governors rooms as a headquarters during the 1860 presidential campaign.

Associated Press file photo