Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue

Springfield, Illinois

IllinoisRoadside Attraction

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The Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue in Springfield, Illinois is a clean-shaven, top-hat-less, ax-wielding fiberglass statue of a young Abraham Lincoln. The roadside attraction stands even taller that the 6’4″ president at 30 feet tall!

Why was Abraham Lincoln called the rail splitter? This nickname originated in the Illinois State Republican Convention in 1860, later governor of Illinois Richard J. Oglesby and friend of the Lincolns’ John Hanks marched into the convention hall with two fence rails that read, “Abraham Lincoln, The Rail Candidate for President in 1860.” Lincoln had worked many jobs before landing on politics and law, including as a soldier, a postmaster, a tavern keeper, and, yes, a rail splitter. The nickname payed homage to his humble beginnings.

To celebrate the president’s history and nickname, the Abraham Lincoln Rail Splitter statue was created in 1968 by Springfield’s own Carl W. Rinnus, and dedicated for Illinois’s sesquicentennial.

Find this Illinois roadside attraction in front of the Illinois Expo Building right outside the main gate of the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

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Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue in Springfield, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction

Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue

5 based on 1 reviews

Address:

2200 N 11th St, Springfield, IL 62702

Hours:

Visible When Grounds are Open

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Photos of the Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue in Springfield, Illinois

Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue in Springfield, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction
Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue in Springfield, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction
Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue in Springfield, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue in Springfield, Illinois, here are some things to know before you go.

Where is the Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue located on Route 66?

Find the Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue near Gate 1 at the Illinois State Fair Grounds, 801 Sangamon Ave. in Springfield, Illinois. Visit this Illinois roadside attraction whenever the Illinois State Fair Grounds are open.

Where can you park?

The location is at the fairgrounds. Parking should be available, but check for any fair-event closures or gate restrictions.

When is the best time to visit?

Visit this roadside attraction anytime when the grounds are open. Early in the day is quieter and better for photos. Combine a visit with the Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and visit close to dusk so you can see that attraction lit up in neon. For the ultimate experience, visit the Illinois State Fair at this location in August.

Where to Stay Near Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest with a stay at one of these nearby Route 66 hotels in Springfield, Illinois.

State House Inn

State House Inn, a landmark hotel in Springfield, Illinois, features a business center, gym, ironing service, and complimentary breakfast with a convenient location directly across the street from the Illinois State Capitol. Book a stay in one of the two themed Presidential Suites: the Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd.

Inn at 835

Located near the Illinois State Capital and numerous Lincoln Historical sites, Inn at 835 offers 11 guest rooms, plus two additional suites in the Bell House. Accommodations include private baths with plush towels, hand-milled French soaps, soft linens, antique furnishings, flat screen TVs, and WiFi.

Attractions Near the Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue on Route 66

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Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

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1 Review of Abe Lincoln Rail Splitter Statue in Springfield, Illinois

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