Owen Lovejoy House — Attraction in Princeton

Currently closed due to COVID 19 regulations

A Former Station on the Underground Railroad, the Lovejoy Homestead is located at the eastern edge of Princeton, Illinois, and was the home of the Denham and Lovejoy families for nearly 100 years.

Reverend Lovejoy was its most famous resident and occupied the house from 1838 until his death in 1864. Lovejoy was prominent in the abolition movement and the Underground Railroad, a founder of the Illinois and national Republican party, and a congressional leader.

Lovejoy is perhaps best known for his role in the Underground Railroad. As an outspoken abolitionist, he openly proclaimed his willingness to assist fugitive slaves. His involvement made this house one of the most important stations on the Underground Railroad in Illinois. The Owen Lovejoy Home now belongs to the City of Princeton and was opened as a museum in 1972. The United States Secretary of the Interior declared the property a National Historic Landmark in 1997.

Also located on the Lovejoy Homestead property is the one room Colton Schoolhouse. It was moved from its original location 2.5 miles east to the...

A nice stop to make, and not far from the interstate. AIR CONDITIONED! Worthwhile to see an Underground Railroad stop, and a local one room, brick school house on one site. One wonders at the sight of Rev. Lovejoy driving a buggy throughout town with runaway slaves as passengers, flaunting this in front of the 'law'. Our tour guide also told us of Princeton's 'Red Bridge' covered bridge, open to cars and pick ups, about a quarter mile north of the interstate, and a left turn. Watch...

The historic home and school are almost a must to stop by and visit. A wonderful lady who is the curator of this museum and also a guide will tell you about the history of this place with great passion. It's worth it and you should be here. The only thing that puzzles me before I started looking at this house ... It is forbidden to take pictures inside. But when I looked inside the house, I...