Lincoln in Logan County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Roadside Attractions
World's Largest Covered Wagon
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 27, 2020
1. Roadside Attractions Marker
Route 66 promised travelers fun and adventure along the road. The Railsplitter Covered Wagon honors Abraham Lincoln in the only town named for him before he became president. It holds the Guinness World Record as the largest covered wagon and was voted #1 Roadside Attraction in America by Reader's Digest magazine.
Building the Wagon
The Railsplitter was built by David Bentley in 2001 when he was recovering from heart disease. It was displayed on Historic Route 66 in Divernon until 2007.
Moving to Lincoln
In 2007, local philanthropist Larry Van Bibber generously purchased and donated the Railsplitter to the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau. The wagon arrived on a cold January morning, causing traffic jams as curious travelers stopped to take pictures.
The Railsplitter was moved again in December 2009 to its new home in front of the Best Western Lincoln Inn.
Erected by Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series
this page online
Location. 40° 8.913′ N, 89° 23.229′ W. Marker is in Lincoln, Illinois, in Logan County. It is at the intersection of Lincoln Parkway (Old U.S. 66) and 5th Street, on the right when traveling south on Lincoln Parkway. Marker is in front of the American Legion. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1750 5th St, Lincoln IL 62656, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois and in Greater Springfield. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Vietnam War Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Postville Park (approx. Ό mile away); Judge Davis and Lincoln at Deskins Inn (approx. 0.4 miles away); Abraham Lincoln at Postville (approx. 0.4 miles away); Deskins Tavern
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 27/2020M
2. Roadside Attractions Marker
Marker is in front of the covered wagon and the American Legion.
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 27, 2020
3. Largest Covered Wagon
A fiberglass Abraham Lincoln figure (12 feet tall) sits in the wagon.
Guinness World Records wesbite entry
Click for more information.
Guinness World Records wesbite entry
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 450 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 4, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
