Downtown in Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lincoln’s Farewell to Springfield
February 11, 1861
Photographed by Angie Shaffer
1. Lincoln's Farewell to Springfield Marker
My friends, no one not in my situation can appreciate my feelings of sadness at this parting, to this place, and the kindness of this people, I owe everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried. Now I leave, not knowing when or whether ever I may return; with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of that divine being who ever attended him I cannot succeed. With that assistance, I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.
The site of the Great Western R.R. Passenger Station and near their track where stood the train from which President elect Mr. Lincoln made this farewell address.
Erected 1915 by Springfield Chapter, Ill. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists:
this page online
Location. 39° 47.956′ N, 89° 38.55′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. It is in Downtown. It is at the intersection of East Monroe Street and 10th Street, on the right when traveling east on East Monroe Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 930 E Monroe St, Springfield IL 62701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois. 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: Great Western Depot (a few steps from this marker); Great Western Railroad Depot
via Library of Congress, unknown
2. Lincoln’s Farewell to Springfield handwritten speech
After giving the speech and the train was on its way, Lincoln attempted to write out his parting speech. The train's jolting motion prevented him from finishing it so he handed the note pad to John Nicolay, his secretary, who then finished writing as Lincoln finished dictating the speech.
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, August 13, 2026
3. Lincoln’s Farewell to Springfield Marker Backside
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, August 13, 2026
4. Lincoln’s Farewell to Springfield Marker Surroundings
Photographed by Angie Shaffer
5. Lincoln's Farewell to Springfield Marker
Courtesy of the State Journal Register, June 15, 1915
6. Lincoln’s Farewell to Springfield Marker
"On June 15, 1915 the marker was dedicated at the site of the Great Western Railroad at Tenth and Monroe Streets where (at 8:00 AM, on the morning of February 11, 1861) President-elect Abraham Lincoln delivered his farewell address to Springfield from the rear platform of his train car." The photo, "...is the Great Western Railroad (now also known as the Lincoln Depot)."
Note the marker can be seen to the right of the lady with the fine hat, standing in the lower left of the photo.
(Published in the State Journal Register)
Note the marker can be seen to the right of the lady with the fine hat, standing in the lower left of the photo.
(Published in the State Journal Register)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2008, by Angie Shaffer of Springfield, Illinois. This page has been viewed 3,991 times since then and 52 times this year. Last updated on August 13, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. Photos: 1. submitted on January 7, 2008, by Angie Shaffer of Springfield, Illinois. 2. submitted on May 13, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4. submitted on August 13, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. 5. submitted on January 7, 2008, by Angie Shaffer of Springfield, Illinois. 6. submitted on March 5, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
