abe lincoln and bloomington-normal IL

Visitors to the McLean County Museum of History in Bloomington, IL now encounter a statue of Abraham Lincoln on the east lawn.

The Lincoln Bench by sculptor Rick Harney offers great photo opportunities to pose beside a likeness of Illinois' favorite son.

Lincoln knew this location well, because he tried many cases in the second McLean County Courthouse which stood here from 1836 to 1868.
The bronze statue was unveiled in July 2000 during the 150th anniversary of Bloomington's incorporation. Mayor Judy Markowitz donated it to the city in honor of the Stern family.

picture and info from: http://showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/art/bench.htm

Bloomington is a city in McLean County, Illinois, United States. A 2006 special census indicated that the population was 74,975 [2], and it is predicted that the city's population will reach 100,000 by 2020.

It is the county seat of McLean CountyGR6. It is the host of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, which is nationally known as one of the top Shakespearean festivals in the country (held at Ewing Manor).[3]

It is adjacent to Normal, Illinois, and when mentioned together they are known as the "Twin Cities, "Bloomington-Normal," or simply abbreviated "B-N."

Useless Trivia? Maybe, but this might be one of the most important cities in America. Who would have thought it?

I'll leave you with my favorite Abe Lincoln quote:

"Nearly all people can stand adversity, but if you want to test a persons character, give them power."