In and Around Clinton

There’s a lot of history waiting to be discovered in the Heart of Illinois!

When planning a trip to visit the C. H. Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum, consider exploring more of our area’s unique history.

– IN CLINTON –

Abraham Lincoln Statue on Mr. Lincoln’s Square
Situated on the site where Lincoln delivered his “Fool the People” speech in 1858.

Civil War Soldiers’ Plot at Woodlawn Cemetery
More than 80 Civil War Soldiers rest beneath the sod.  Signage tells of the touching origins of the soldiers’ burial ground and lists the names of the valiant men buried there. A towering stone monument – which has a connection to the Bishop and Moore families – stands sentry over the plot.  Woodlawn Cemetery also is the resting place of thousands more – the county’s early pioneers and the generations that followed.

Vespasian Warner Public Library offers Lincoln Heritage Committee of DeWitt County’s permanent exhibit “Lincoln in DeWitt County.”  For those interested in researching the history of DeWitt County, the library also offers access to the DeWitt County Genealogical Society’s collection as well as a local archive collection and C.H. Moore’s book collection.     

Moore & Warner Building at the corner of Center and Adams Streets just off Mr. Lincoln Square
C.H. Moore’s law office is today owned by one of Moore’s descendants.  The beautifully restored building continues to serve as a private business office space as well as a fine example of local landmark preservation efforts. Abraham Lincoln practiced law in this office with C.H. Moore from 1856-1858.

Looking for Lincoln Wayside Exhibits
Clinton is home to nine Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits. Each tells of our local history and connections to Abraham Lincoln. An additional wayside exhibit is located in the village of DeWitt, just 10 miles east of Clinton.

C.H. Moore Brick House
Prior to his purchase of the C.H. Moore homestead in the 1880’s, Moore resided in a large, brick home just northeast of Clinton. The historic house is a private residence on private property.     

– NEAR CLINTON –

Weldon Springs State Park
Owned by Judge Lawrence Weldon (an associate of Abraham Lincoln who named his son in Lincoln’s honor) prior to 1861, Weldon allowed the property to be utilized by the public around the turn of the last century.  For many years, the rolling hills of timber, natural springs, and the lake formed by those springs was the site for the annual Chautauqua assemblies and served as a park and recreation destination.  Today, the park offers seven miles of trails, fishing, row boating, camping, and more.

Union School Interpretive Center
This rural schoolhouse constructed in 1865 is picturesquely situated on the Weldon Springs Sate Park prairie. The restored and furnished building depicts the 19th century one-room school experience.  The building is open to the public on Saturdays, seasonally.

Texas Township Hall
This historic building is also nestled on the Weldon Springs State Park prairie.  The building houses an impressive collection of items connected to natural history, science, and local history.  The building is open to the public on Saturdays, seasonally.      

Barn Quilts of DeWitt County Driving Tour
Drive the scenic country roads of DeWitt County and view the barns of yesteryear and the assortment of hand-painted barn quilts that adorn them.

Mettler Woods Nature Preserve
This 77-acre preserve was designated an Illinois Natural Heritage Landmark due to it being “a valuable remnant of the woods that once covered a large part of Illinois.”  The site is open year-round and offers a short, level walking path.