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VANDALIA: FAYETTE COUNTY • Vandalia State House • Lincoln Sites • Museums • Galleries • Restaurants & Lodging • Golf Courses • Lakes & Trails • Historic National Road
VANDALIA HAS IT!
For a Schedule of Events or a FREE Brochure: 618.283.2728 VandaliaIllinois.com
Vandalia: Lincoln And National Road History, Old State Capitol
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tanding in the foyer of the Old State Capitol, one might expect a young Abraham Lincoln to come bounding down the winding staircase after a House of Representatives session. The oldest remaining state capitol building in Illinois is located at the intersection of the National Road (U.S. 40) and U.S. Route 51 in the city of Vandalia. The beautifully restored building welcomes visitors who want to experience the early years of Lincoln’s legislative career (1834-1839). Ten new Lincoln Wayside Exhibits have been erected downtown at Rogier Park and the Old State Cemetery. These story boards feature little known facts from President Lincoln’s life and times in Vandalia. Visitors may not know that Lincoln proposed to a woman named Mary Owens before he met Mary Todd, or that Lincoln and Stephen Douglas first met here, and that Lincoln’s first official stand against slavery was in Vandalia. The Vandalia Statehouse is open May through Labor Day, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. post Labor Day. Located across the street from the capitol is Lincoln Park, featuring a life-size bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln designed by world-renowned Lincoln sculptor, John McClarey. Here young and old alike may have their photo taken next to Mr. Lincoln with the view of the oldest capitol in the background. Directly north of the old Capitol is the Fayette County Museum, located in the historic Presbyterian Church built in 1867. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and houses Lincoln-era memorabilia and artifacts of the people living in the county. Of special interest is an original paper press from the Capitol and visitors can hold a hand tool traced back to Mr. Lincoln that is etched with the initials, “A.L.” The museum is opened Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. One block west on 5th Street, visitors can take delight in the only National Road Interpretive Center in Illinois. The National Road was the first and only totally federally funded road in the country. Here visitors can learn the history of travel and transportation in the early days of the country through interactive maps, exhibits and films. See how the National Road was an important factor in the westward expansion. The Center reminds visitors that Vandalia was the terminus of the National Road, which began in Baltimore, MD. The National Road was the first Interstate highway. The Center routinely adds exhibits to its fine collection. Today, cars, trucks, and motorcycles drive the same road once traversed by covered wagons and horses. The Interpretive Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On the corner of the Old State Capitol Lawn visitors can find the Madonna of the Trail Statue. This is one of the 12 statues in the United States on the National Road honoring the pioneer women who walked behind the wagon to open the west. The statues were donated by the D.A.R. and dedicated in 1928 and 1929. Vandalia isn’t just a place for history buffs or those seeking heritage information, it is also a thriving community of quaint shops, new restaurants, period style lights and benches make for a relaxing downtown experience. Downtown shops include: Ali Marie’s on Gallatin, Country Folk, Gloria’s Christian Supply, Habitat for Humanity Resale Shop, L&M Antiques, Lulu’s Stuff and Such, Something Special Florist and Old Capitol Wine Cellar, Tiffany’s House of Style, Tiger Lily Florist & Gifts, and Words, Wicks and Wood. In addition, there are five hotels, cabins, a bed and breakfast and plenty of other interesting places to shop and dine throughout the city. Continued On Page 78
PAGE 66 | 2014 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois