Near Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Abraham Lincoln and the Talisman
Springfield citizens were enthusiastic and had raised funds to aid the project. At New Salem, Abraham Lincoln and others joined the axmen who were to clear the Sangamon of obstructions. The Talisman arrived at Beardstown March 9 and, after a 4-day delay due to ice, began the 100-mile trip up the Sangamon. When they arrived at Portland Landing, three fourths of a mile east of here, on March 24 crowds greeted them and continued the celebration in Springfield for several days. Rowan Herndon was hired as pilot and Lincoln as assistant pilot for the return trip to Beardstown. Since the Sangamon was falling rapidly, the steamboat had to be backed partway downstream and at New Salem a section of the dam was removed to float the boat across.
When the boat reached Beardstown, Lincoln received $40 for his services from March 13 to April 6 and walked back to New Salem. The Talisman venture was financially unsuccessful and hopes for a river port near Springfield were eventually abandoned.
Erected 1965 by the Division of Highways and the Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Illinois State Historical Society series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1847.
Location. 39° 51.87′ N, 89° 35.66′ W. Marker is near Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. Marker can be reached from Interstate 55, 4 miles north of Sangamon Avenue, on the right when traveling north. The marker is in the Rail Splitter Rest Area on northbound I-55. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10200 I-55, Sherman IL 62684, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Illinois Remembers POW/MIA (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Illinois Remembers POW/MIA (approx. 1.6 miles away); Abraham Lincoln (approx. 1.6 miles away); Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address (approx. 2.8 miles away); For All the Fallen Sky Soldiers (approx. 2.8 miles away); Landing Ship Tanks (LST's) Memorial (approx. 2.8 miles away); 5th Regimental Combat Team (approx. 2.8 miles away); Navy Seabees (approx. 2.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
Additional keywords. Abraham Lincoln and the Talisman
Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2012, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,117 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 23, 2012, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.