Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum

Hours (June 1 - September 1)

Tuesday - Saturday: 1pm - 5pm 

History

Colonel Matthew Rogers constructed the building in 1831-1832. It was used as a post office and general store. The upper room was used as a banquet and public meeting room by the citizens of Athens.

Abraham Lincoln and his dedicated cadre of eight other Illinois legislators had won the General Assembly's approval to move the state capitol from Vandalia to Springfield. The nine men were called "the long nine" because they average six feet in height, uncommon in that day and age. Abraham Lincoln, the leader of the "long nine" was six feet four inches tall. Together the Long Nine's height added up to fifty four feet.

On August 3, 1837, the "long nine" legislators were honored at a banquet. The banquet was held upstairs in the Colonel Matthew Rogers Building. This historic building is now known as the "Abraham Lincoln's Long Nine Museum".