Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Illinois History — Where Abraham Lincoln practiced law with partner William Herndon from 1843-1852 — the only surviving building where Lincoln maintained working law offices! Lincoln tried over 200 cases in the adjacent courthouse. Springfield, IL.

Visitor Information

About Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices

Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site in downtown Springfield preserves the only surviving building where Abraham Lincoln maintained working law offices. Lincoln practiced law here with partner William Herndon from 1843-1852 on the third floor above the post office and federal courts. The building overlooks the Old State Capitol where Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech.

Things to Do

Touring the restored law offices, viewing the third-floor office where Lincoln practiced law, learning about Lincoln’s legal career and pre-presidential life, and walking the surrounding Lincoln Heritage district. Free admission.

About Lincoln-Herndon

Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site in Springfield preserves the only surviving building where Abraham Lincoln maintained working law offices. Lincoln practiced law with William Herndon from 1843 until leaving for Washington in 1861. The offices overlooked the Old State Capitol where Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech. Herndon later wrote an influential Lincoln biography.

Things to Do

Touring the restored law offices, viewing the federal courtroom on the upper floor, learning about Lincoln’s legal career, and walking Springfield’s Lincoln Heritage Trail.

Insider Tips

Lincoln’s workplace: This is the only surviving building where Abraham Lincoln maintained a law office — he practiced here with partner William Herndon from 1843-1852. Pro tip: The federal courtroom on the first floor is where Lincoln argued cases before federal judges. Walking distance: The law offices are steps from the Old State Capitol and other Lincoln sites — walk the same streets Lincoln walked daily.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round: Indoor site — always comfortable. Spring/fall: Best for walking between Springfield’s Lincoln sites. February: Birthday celebrations. Summer: Peak tourist season — arrive early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Lincoln a good lawyer?

Lincoln handled over 5,000 cases during his 25-year legal career — everything from murder trials to railroad disputes. He was known for his clear arguments and ability to connect with juries. His legal career built the reputation, connections, and reasoning skills that propelled him to the presidency.

Wildlife & Nature

The Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices in downtown Springfield — the only surviving building where Abraham Lincoln maintained working law offices (1843-1852) — sits at the corner of Sixth and Adams streets. Lincoln partnered with William Herndon from 1844 until his election as president in 1860. The building also housed the federal court and post office. Springfield’s urban green spaces — particularly Washington Park and the grounds surrounding the State Capitol — support populations of songbirds common to the Midwest urban environment. American robins — whose cheerful spring songs signal the end of winter — are among the most familiar birds. Chimney swifts roost in thousands in large chimneys during fall migration, creating spectacular sunset displays.

Nearby Attractions

Lincoln’s Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery is the most visited site in Illinois outside Chicago. Lincoln Home National Historic Site is a short walk south. Old State Capitol — Lincoln’s “House Divided” speech venue. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Great Western Depot — where Lincoln departed for Washington in 1861. Vachel Lindsay Home preserves the poet’s birthplace. Illinois Governor’s Mansion offers tours. Cozy Dog Drive In — birthplace of the corn dog on Route 66.