Rochester in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Abraham Lincoln and Martin Van Buren Meet in Rochester, Illinois

June 16, 1842

Photographed by Jason Voigt, December 27, 2025

1. Abraham Lincoln and Martin Van Buren Meet in Rochester, Illinois Marker

Inscription.
Near this location, on June 16, 1842, Abraham Lincoln and former President Martin Van Buren enjoyed an evening together with Mr. Doty, in Rochester, Illinois.

After serving as president from 1836-1840, Van Buren lost the 1840 election to William Harrison. In an effort to regain popularity, Van Buren was on a national political tour, heading to Springfield from Terre Haute, Indiana. However, muddy roads forced him to stop in Rochester for the night.

Springfield Democrats believed the small village of Rochester did not offer suitable entertainment for the former president. The group gathered refreshments and brought along the young Abraham Lincoln, at the time, a simple country lawyer who was known for his story telling. Lincoln was serving as a state representative in the Illinois Legislature as a member of the Whig Party.

Several sources confirmed that the two men hit it off. Van Buren later stated that Lincoln's storytelling and jokes provided him with one of the highlights of his life.

Erected 2007 by Lincoln-Van Buren Historical Association of Rochester, Illinois.

Topics and series. This historical

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marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #08 Martin Van Buren, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is June 16, 1842.

Location. 39° 44.96′ N, 89° 32.082′ W. Marker is in Rochester, Illinois, in Sangamon County. It is on South John Street south of East Main Street (Old Illinois Route 29), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 130 E Main St, Rochester IL 62563, 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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Lincoln and Van Buren (a few steps from this marker); The Stevens Stone House

Photographed by Jason Voigt, December 27, 2025

2. Abraham Lincoln and Martin Van Buren Meet in Rochester, Illinois Marker

(approx. 1.2 miles away); The Edwards Trace (approx. 2.8 miles away); Lincoln Memorial Garden (approx. 4.9 miles away); Lincoln's Landscape (approx. 4.9 miles away); Garden Club Volunteers (approx. 4.9 miles away); The Architect and the Founder (approx. 5 miles away); Potawatomi Trail of Death (approx. 5.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rochester.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, December 27, 2025

3. Abraham Lincoln and Martin Van Buren Meet in Rochester, Illinois Marker

Marker is near the intersection of East Main and South John Streets

Credits. This page was last revised on December 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 27, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 99 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 27, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.