Lincoln Depot — Attraction in Springfield

Abraham Lincoln left Springfield, Illinois, on February 11, 1861, after residing here for twenty four years, to begin his journey to Washington D.C. for his inauguration as President. He delivered his farewell address at the Great Western Depot.

Assigned to protect Lincoln on his train journey to Washington, DC was America’s first female detective—Kate Warne, a true unsung hero working for the Pinkerton Detective Agency out of Chicago, IL. But her most famous case was the Baltimore Plot, where she helped stop an assassination plot against Abraham Lincoln.

In 1861, Lincoln was on a railroad whistle-stop tour from Illinois to Washington, D.C. before his inauguration. During this time, she went undercover at secessionist parties in Baltimore and was able to uncover the assassination plot. After passing the information over to Pinkerton, Lincoln was posed as an invalid traveling on a night train to Washington D.C., with Warne acting as his caregiver and sister. They slipped through Baltimore undetected and they were able to evade those intended on murdering Lincoln.

Warne’s career was filled with triumphs and success, marking her as a leader in investigations — a field overwhelmingly run by men during that time. Highly praised by Allan Pinkerton himself, she continues to be a source of...

We happened on this place as a result of the tourist maps given at the visitors center to the kids. It wasn’t supposed to open until 4/1 for the season but they let us in early anyway as it was March when we went. So go after 4/1! It was really cool. You can stand there and envision Lincoln giving his address as you read the plaque. It’s an essential visit in Springfield if you are doing all of the...

An excellent train station. We were able to meet the owner who was gracious. Abraham Lincoln made his farewell address here. The doppelganger of Abe also reiterated the address in period clothing. Afterwards we were able to take pictures with him. What a treat! My grandchildren really enjoyed the time spent in...