Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices
Photographed By Angel Shaffer, January 6, 2008
1. Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices Marker
prepared and wrote his
first inaugural address
as President of the
United States,
in the third story of this
building in the month of
January, 1861.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1861.
Location. 39° 48.029′ N, 89° 38.886′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of E Adams Street and South 6th Street, on the left when traveling north. The Law Offices occupy a building on the southwest corner of E Adams Street and 6th on a plaza closed to traffic. The marker is on the front of the building facing the Old State Capitol to the north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Springfield IL 62701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. In Their Springfield Prime (here, next to this marker); Lincoln's Springfield (here, next to this marker); Streetscape 1859
this page online
Additional commentary.
1. The Lincoln Speech
In an effort to avoid the crush of people giving their last minute business and farewell messages Lincoln hid away in a third floor dusty store room in the building next door to his law office. A brother in law, C. M. Smith, had operated a dry-goods store on the bottom floor.
To prepare for the speech Lincoln took only four items as sources: Copy of the “United States Constitution”, Henry Clay’s “1850 Compromise Speech”, Andrew Jackson’s “Proclamation Against Nullification”, and Webster’s “Reply to Hayne”.
Upon completion Lincoln’s friend William H.
Photographed By Angie Shaffer, January 6, 2008
2. Front of Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices
Photo is taken facing south. Marker is to the right.
Lincoln locked the speech copies and other papers in a black oilcloth handbag. In starting the trip from Springfield to Washington, D. C. Lincoln gave the bag to his son Robert with instructions to keep it safe.
At the “Bates House” hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana Lincoln was needing the speech to review with Senator Orville Browning. Looking for Robert it was discovered that Robert had gone out with the Young Republicans of the Indianapolis area for entertainment. Directions were given to find Robert.
After approximately an hour Robert appeared all out of breath and was asked where is the black bag entrusted to him. Robert states giving it to the “Bates House” hotel clerk who put it behind the counter with all the other luggage in the lobby.
Lincoln quickly bounded down the stairs, leaped over the counter, and found the bag and the speech safe and sound in the still locked bag.
— Submitted May 7, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.
Photographed By Angie Shaffer, January 6, 2008
3. Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices
Photo is taken from the northeast corner.
Photographed By Angie Shaffer, January 9, 2008
4. Statues of Lincoln Family
Statues are located near the north entrance of the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices on the Old Capitol Plaza mall. The statues are encircled by an excerpt from Lincoln's farewell speech engraved on the plaza.
Photographed By Angie Shaffer, January 9, 2008
5. The Lincoln Family statutes
Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2008, by Angie Shaffer of Springfield, Illinois. This page has been viewed 2,130 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 7, 2008, by Angie Shaffer of Springfield, Illinois. 4. submitted on January 10, 2008, by Angie Shaffer of Springfield, Illinois. 5. submitted on January 12, 2008, by Angie Shaffer of Springfield, Illinois. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
