Among the early settlers of the Charleston area were Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's father and stepmother, who lived south of town in a cabin on the Goosenest Prairie. Although Abraham Lincoln was never a resident, he visited Charleston for business and pleasure with some regularity. In the 1840s and 1850s, Lincoln tried many court cases in the county courthouse including the famous Matson Slave Trial in which he argued in favor of a local slave owner's rights. In 1858, Charleston was the scene of the fourth Lincoln Douglas debate. The aspiring politician Abraham Lincoln debated the issue of states rights and race relations in front of a crowd of 12,000 people. It was to Charleston that Lincoln made his last trip from Springfield before going to Washington in 1861 to assume the burden of the presidency. Lincoln's affection for the humble folk of Goosenest Prairie and Charleston remained strong throughout his life and did not lessen as he achieved prominence as a lawyer and statesman.
Today, Charleston is a dynamic community with a population of over 21,000. Charleston boasts its own university, Eastern Illinois University, and four Lincoln historic sites: the last home of his parents maintained as Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site; Shiloh Church & Cemetery where his father and stepmother rest side by side; the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Museum and the home of his stepsister maintained as the Moore Home State Historic Site. Outdoor murals, an art museum, concert hall, theatres, bike trail, golf courses and parks, shops and restaurants are also available. Charleston is proud of its rich history and welcomes visitors with true Midwestern hospitality.
For information:
Charleston Tourism Office
217-348-0430
http://www.charlestontourism.org
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