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Lincoln, IL

Frequently asked questions

Lincoln, IL

Lincoln is a city in Logan County, Illinois, United States. First settled in the 1830s, it is the only town in the U.S. that was named for Abraham Lincoln before he became president; he practiced law there from 1847 to 1859. Lincoln is home to two prisons. It is also the home of the world's largest covered wagon and numerous other historical sites along the Route 66 corridor. The population was 13,288 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Logan County.

According to the 2010 census, Lincoln has a total area of 6.4 square miles (16.58 km²), all land. I-55 (formerly U.S. Route 66) connects Lincoln to Bloomington and Springfield. Illinois Route 10 and Illinois Route 121 run into the city. Amtrak serves Lincoln Station daily with its Lincoln Service and Texas Eagle routes. Service consists of four Lincoln Service round-trips between Chicago and St. Louis, and one Texas Eagle round-trip between San Antonio and Chicago. Three days a week, the Eagle continues on to Los Angeles. Lines of the Union Pacific and Canadian National railroads run through the city. Salt Creek (Sangamon River Tributary) and the Edward R. Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area are nearby.

The town's standard history holds that it was officially named on August 27, 1853, in an unusual ceremony. Abraham Lincoln, having assisted with the platting of the town and working as counsel for the newly laid Chicago & Mississippi Railroad which led to its founding, was asked to participate in a naming ceremony for the town. On this date, the first sale of lots took place in the new town. Ninety were sold at prices ranging from $40 to $150. According to tradition, Lincoln was present. At noon he purchased two watermelons and carried one under each arm to the public square. There he invited Latham, Hickox, and Gillette, proprietors, to join him, saying, "Now we'll christen the new town," squeezing watermelon juice out on the ground. Legend has it that when it had been proposed to him that the town be named for him, he had advised against it, saying that in his experience, "Nothing bearing the name of Lincoln ever amounted to much." The town of Lincoln was the first city named after Abraham Lincoln, while he was a lawyer and before he was President of the United States.

Despite that story, newspaper reports make it clear that the city's name of Lincoln had been chosen at least several weeks before the August 27 date. The new site of Lincoln was about three-quarters of a mile from the small settlement of Postville. "The position is fine and commanding, and if it does not make a big city, we have no doubt it will soon arrive at the dignity of a flourishing and respectable town," the Illinois State Register wrote. "We will also add that the town was named by the proprietors, of whom our enterprising citizen, Virgil Hickox, is one, in honor of A. Lincoln, Esq., the attorney of the Chicago and Mississippi Railroad Company."

Health and wellness are paramount in Lincoln, with Memorial Care serving as a cornerstone of the community's healthcare services. Healthcare provides comprehensive medical care, emphasizing preventive measures and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Lincoln Park District offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Precision Movement, Reps Gym II, and Fit Zone. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Lincoln, such as the Lincoln Trail State Park and Kickapoo Creek Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Lincoln, IL are Lincoln Heritage Museum, Railsplitter Covered Wagon, Lincoln Art Institute.

Population: 13,288 (2020). ZIP Code: 62656. Area codes: 217. Elevation: 589 ft (180 m). Area: 6.25 sq mi (16.19 km²).

FAQs

Is Lincoln, IL a good place to live?

Living in Lincoln offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Lincoln, there are a lot of bars. Many retirees live in Lincoln and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Lincoln are above average.

What is the crime rate in Lincoln, IL?

Lincoln has an overall crime rate of 8 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Lincoln is 1 in 132.  Lincoln's crime rate is lower than approximately 42% of Illinois communities.

What is the poverty rate in Lincoln, IL?

In 2022, the median household income of Lincoln households was $54,002. Lincoln households made slightly more than Grayville households ($53,977) and Cisco households ($53,906). However, 10.3% of Lincoln families live in poverty.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Lincoln

Memorial Care 

Lincoln Park District 

Precision Movement

Reps Gym II 

Fit Zone

Lincoln Trail State Park 

Kickapoo Creek Park

Lincoln Heritage Museum

Railsplitter Covered Wagon 

Lincoln Art Institute

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

Illinois Demographics

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