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Camp Lincoln Commissary Building

Historic building
In Springfield, Illinois
0.9 mi from Route 66
National Register of Historic Places

The Camp Lincoln Commissary Building stands at Camp Lincoln, a National Guard base in Springfield, IL, less than a mile off the old road. Built in 1903, it is the oldest building left at the camp and now holds a military museum. Its turrets and battlements make it an unexpected sight and a good add-on to the war memorials a short drive away.

What is Camp Lincoln Commissary Building?

The commissary is built of rough-faced limestone and designed to look like a castle, with turrets and battlements along the roofline. The Culver Stone Company, which put up several of Springfield's public buildings, did the construction. Today the building holds a military museum.

History of Camp Lincoln Commissary Building

Camp Lincoln opened in 1886 and at first relied mostly on tents and temporary buildings. When the commissary went up in 1903, it quickly became the center of camp life, and over the years it has been used as barracks, a hospital, a headquarters and a place for physical exams. It joined the National Register in 1984.

Visiting Camp Lincoln Commissary Building: tips

The building stands on National Guard property, so follow any posted rules about access. Allow a short stop for photos, longer if you visit the museum. The Korean War Memorial and the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial are each about 0.3 mile away, and the World War II memorial about 0.4 mile.

Practical info

Address: 1301 North MacArthur Boulevard
On site & nearby

Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix

Where to eat near Camp Lincoln Commissary Building

All diners →

Diner & restaurant
Charlie Parker's Diner
Springfield, IL · 3.8 mi from Camp Lincoln Commissary Building
A Springfield diner dating from 1992, handy for a meal while exploring the Illinois capital on Route 66.
Diner & restaurant
Cozy Dog Drive In
Springfield, IL · 4.2 mi from Camp Lincoln Commissary Building
A Springfield drive-in known for its cornmeal-battered Cozy Dogs, Route 66 memorabilia and guest book.