At Home in Springfield, Summer 1860

A detail from John Adams Whipple's photograph of the Lincoln house at Eighth and Jackson Streets in Springfield, taken during the 1860 campaign. Lincoln stands inside the fence with his son Willie beside him, while Tad peeks out from behind the corner post. Presidential candidates did not campaign in person in 1860, so Lincoln spent the summer at home receiving visitors, and the house became part of his public image. He lived there for 17 years, and it was the only home he ever owned.