Lincoln Home Site, Sprigg House, 507 South Eighth Street, Springfield, Sangamon County, IL

Significance: The Sprigg House was a part of the historic scene during the years Abraham Lincoln and his family lived on Eighth Street, although it has been substantially altered. From 1853 to 1869, it was the home of Mrs. Lincoln's close friend Julia Sprigg. The Sprigg House was probably built for John Weber, who purchased the property in 1851 following his return from the California gold rush. There was a house on the lot in February 1853, when Mrs. Sprigg purchased the property from Weber. This was approximately six months after the death of Mrs. Sprigg's husband. While living in Eighth Street, Julia Sprigg became close friends with Mrs. Lincoln. The Lincolns' youngest son, Tad, was a frequent visitor at the Sprigg House. Mrs. Sprigg's daughter, Julia, often helped Mrs. Lincoln by taking care of both Tad and his brother, Willie. When Mrs. Lincoln became the First Lady, she continued the friendship with the Sprigg family, and exchanged letters with Mrs. Sprigg. The Sprigg House is a significant element in the interpretation of the historic site, because it helps illustrate the friendships members of the Lincoln family maintained with their neighbors. Originally a simple, two-story frame house with a bracketed cornice and hipped roof, the house was converted into two living units, a new window sash was installed, and a two-story porch with brick pillars was added to the Eight Street facade.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: FN-161
Survey number: HABS IL-1123-D
Building/structure dates: ca. 1852 Initial Construction
National Register of Historic Places NRIS Number: 71000076