Perhaps it was their similar Midwestern backgrounds; perhaps it was the fact that each man rose from obscurity to success in a classic archetypal story. Whatever the reason, Walt Disney’s interest in Abraham Lincoln was real and sincere. Walt Disney’s Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, produced in partnership with the State of Illinois for the 1964 World’s Fair, began a long and storied relationship between Walt Disney Imagineering and America’s 16th president. While many people might view a theme park as an unusual starting point for a historical travel itinerary, Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is full of such surprises. A visit to the Hall of Presidents might just inspire the historian in all of us to delve a little deeper into the life and accomplishments of Honest Abe.
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
In July of 1965, the Disneyland version of this landmark show premiered as part of the 10th anniversary of Walt’s original theme park. Located in a new Opera House on Main Street U.S.A., this attraction was essentially the same show that was used earlier at the World’s Fair.
When Walt Disney World opened in 1971, the Hall of Presidents premiered in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square. On the cusp of America’s Bicentennial celebration—and inspired, in part, by uncompleted plans for an Edison Square area at Disneyland—this area evokes the look and feel of early America with pleasing accuracy. As one of the Magic Kingdom’s signature shows, the Hall of Presidents is located in an appropriately grand building and makes extensive use of audio-animatronic actors and stunning original paintings by Disney artists and imagineers. The original version of this attraction remained constant from 1971-1993, with the exception, of course, of the addition of newly elected presidents to the roll call scene. Major changes came in 1993, 2001, and again in 2009.
But one thing remained the same: a prominent role for Abraham Lincoln.
Beyond the Parks: Springfield. Illinois
Want to learn more about Honest Abe?
Illinois’ state capitol offers many Lincoln related sites. A natural starting point for a tour of Springfield is Lincoln’s home. The Quaker-brown residence where the Lincoln family lived for seventeen years is a national treasure. It’s located in the middle of a four-block historic neighborhood, and walking along the historically accurate streets recalls Williamsburg, VA, as well as the Disney version in Liberty Square. Visitors can tour the only home ever owned by the Lincolns with National Park Rangers. It’s an intimate glimpse into the daily life of one of America’s most iconic figures.
Be sure to stop by the Old State Capitol, a wonderfully restored building that was the site of Lincoln’s immortal “a house divided against itself” speech during the turbulent days prior to the Civil War. In 1865, Mr. Lincoln’s body lay in state in Representative Hall as an estimated crowd of 75,000 filed past to pay their last respects. The House and Senate buildings are very impressive, and the collection of period desks and other artifacts is most interesting. Try to time your visit so that you can enjoy a brief guided tour; you’ll get a real feel for life in Springfield during Lincoln’s time here.
The Lincoln-Herndon law offices, located nearby, are also worth a visit. Abraham Lincoln practiced law here for nearly ten years. This building, the only surviving structure in which Lincoln practiced law, was ideally located for a rising young law firm – near the Capitol and Springfield’s finest hotel and just above the local post office and Federal Courtroom.
The new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum opened to rave reviews in 2005. The museum brings together the world’s largest collection of material related to the life of Abraham Lincoln. You’ll be entertained, educated, and mesmerized by this one-of-a-kind, world-class facility which utilizes 21st century technology to transport visitors to the 19th centaury world of the Lincolns. Bob Rogers, a former Imagineer who worked on the original Art of Disney Animation Tour at the Disney-MGM Studios as well as EPCOT’s Impressions de France, was one of the designers of this award-winning museum.
Lincoln’s tomb is appropriately awe-inspiring. This beautiful monument marks the final resting place of Abraham, Mary Todd, Tad, Eddie, and Willie Lincoln. Designed by sculptor Larkin Mead, the monument was completed in 1874. The tomb’s interior and exterior artwork are impressive; they are indicative of Lincoln’s importance to the preservation of our country’s union.
New Salem Village, 20 miles northwest of Springfield, is a lovingly recreated 1800s settlement that seems to capture the quiet, natural feeling Disney visitors associate with Fort Wilderness. Lincoln grew to a “man of purpose and destiny” during the six years he lived and worked here. Visitors can literally walk in Lincoln’s footsteps. Here, in New Salem Village, Lincoln worked as a store clerk, served as postmaster, enlisted in the Blackhawk War, worked as a deputy surveyor, studied law, and was elected to the state legislator. Timber houses, shops, and stores have been reconstructed with historical accuracy in this historic village where history comes alive as costumed historians bring to life the residents who lived here 150 years ago.
A visit to Springfield is certain to reignite your patriotism, evoke a sense of good old-fashioned American pride, and instill a sense of appreciation for the man who, quite rightly, is credited with not only ending slavery, but also keeping the country unified during its greatest crisis.
