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Springfield, Illinois: Abe Lincoln Totem Pole

A fiberglass replica of a totem pole originally carved by a Native American in Alaska in 1883. It reportedly wasn't made to honor Abe, but to honor a chief who had seen a white man -- and the only white man that the carver could find was a picture of Lincoln.

Illinois State Museum

Address:
W. Edwards St., Springfield, IL
Directions:
Stands next to the west side of the Illinois State Museum, which is just south of the state capitol building. I-55 exit 98B. Drive west into the city on Clear Lake Ave., which turns into Jefferson St. Turn left onto 2nd St. and drive south six blocks. Make the first right after the state capitol onto Edwards St. The totem pole will be on the right, at the corner of Spring St., hidden on the far (west) side of the Illinois State Museum.
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Visitor Tips and News About Abe Lincoln Totem Pole

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Lincoln totem pole.

Abe Lincoln Totem Pole

The Abe Lincoln Totem Pole is behind the Illinois State Museum. It is much taller than I thought it would be.

[Bubba Wand, 10/09/2010]

A stovepipe hatted wonder, carved by Eskimos in the 1880s. The story is that it wasn't intended to honor the great American President, but rather a chief who had seen a white man -- and the only white man reference picture the carver could find was of Lincoln.

Roadside Presidents
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