Free 'Lincoln Tomato' seeds to capitol visitors

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — There's even a tomato named for the 16th president and you can get some seeds this week for free.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will offer "Lincoln Tomato" seeds to visitors of Springfield's Old State Capitol from Sunday through Presidents Day.

The Lincoln Tomato is an heirloom variety dating to its 1920s development in Rockford. The giveaway has its roots in Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack's visit to the historic site last year as part of the department's 150th birthday.

President Abraham Lincoln signed a law making the Agriculture Department a cabinet-level position in 1862.

The agency is offering the seeds as part of a national challenge to encourage gardening.

Historically themed "Peoples Gardens" will be planted on the old capitol square this summer.