Classes for the university were first held at Major's Hall where Lincoln delivered his "Lost Speech"
Emery's new book is the first to examine in depth Lincoln's ties to Illinois State University
Abraham Lincoln had numerous and important ties to the founding of Illinois State University, the latest book from Carlinville historian Tom Emery shows.
Without Lincoln's hand in the process, Emery said, the university, set up as a training school for teachers in 1857, might not have been located in Bloomington.
The university, Emery added, was one more association the 16th president had with Bloomington, a city key in Lincoln's political ascension.