The Day Lincoln Came to Town: Guided Walking Tour

The Day Lincoln Came to Town

October 18, 1856 — Belleville, Illinois

Step back in time and experience the day Abraham Lincoln visited Belleville during one of the most pivotal election seasons in American history.

Join us for a guided walking tour through historic downtown Belleville, tracing the footsteps of Lincoln and other prominent Illinois leaders, including:

• Gustave Koerner, Lt. Governor of Illinois
• Lyman Trumbull, U.S. Senator
• William Bissell, Republican gubernatorial candidate

Starting Location: Gustave Koerner House

200 East Mascoutah Ave, Belleville, IL

Tour Times:

Saturday, June 20, 2026

Walking tour 

9:00 A.M. | 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 12:00 PM

Bus tour for seniors or those with mobility challenges.

10:30 A.M. | 12:30 P.M.

Tour Details:

• Approximately 1 mile walking tour through downtown Belleville
• Concludes at the St. Clair County Historical Society’s Victorian Home Museum

Admission: Free

Reservations required (spaces are limited)

Parking: Available at the Gustav Koerner House

More Information:

Contact Keith A. Owens at (618) 799-1088

Sponsored by:

Gustav Koerner House Restoration

Belleville Historical Society

St. Clair County Historical Society

Abend & Garfield Streets Neighborhood

Come explore a remarkable moment in Belleville’s history and witness the local connections to a national story.