The Governor Richard J. Oglesby Mansion & Museum located at 421 West William Street will be hosting summer hours during June, July, and August. The historic site will be open every Wednesday and Saturday from 2pm to 4pm during these summer months. In addition, the last Sunday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. June 29th from 2pm to 4pm will be the Sunday open house. Tours are given by board members and volunteer docents.

In 1860, Oglesby was elected to the Illinois Senate, his first public office. At the Illinois State Republican Convention held at the Wigwam in Decatur in 1860, demonstrations organized by Oglesby were the main impetus that gave Lincoln the nomination for the presidency using the slogan “Abraham Lincoln-The Rail Splitter Candidate.” The following week at the National Republican Convention held in Chicago the demonstration was repeated, and Oglesby nominated Lincoln for the Republican candidate for President.

In 1865, President Lincoln encouraged his friend Richard Oglesby to be the Republican candidate for Illinois governor. As a result of his election to office, Illinois was the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution outlawing slavery.

While touring the mansion tourists are often curious about the gorgeous wallpaper. The Governor’s library still maintains the original wallpaper. His library is the most original room in the home with all the original woodwork and a 3,000-piece parquet floor. In the 1970’s during the restoration process, the group of volunteers found a piece of original dining room wallpaper. They found a company in California and at great expense had the paper reproduced.

The Mansion is available for rent for small showers, parties or meetings. Group tours are also available to be scheduled. For rental or group tour information call 217-855-8616.