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.