Lincoln & the Early Mormons in Illinois
Sept 20-25, 2014
Discover the remarkably similar religious and political positions of Abraham Lincoln and the Mormon Prophet, Joseph Smith, and see the places in Illinois that they held in common.
RON L. ANDERSEN, author of Abraham Lincoln: God’s Humble Instrument, will share his compelling view of Lincoln’s often misunderstood spiritual life and beliefs and how his path in Illinois connected with members of the Mormon faith.
Visit historic Springfield to see museums, Lincoln’s law office, home, court rooms, burial tomb and memorial. Walk back in time at a New Salem restored village and Lincoln’s first grocery business. Explore Quincy, site of a great Lincoln-Douglas debate and where Lincoln lodged with a friend who later converted to Mormonism. Enjoy Nauvoo which was re-settled by the early Mormons and which Lincoln voted in favor of the City Charter while serving in the Illinois state legislature. Tour many restored homes and shops and enjoy delightful pioneer entertainment. Visit Carthage where Lincoln practiced law and where Joseph Smith was martyred. Stop in Galesburg at Knox College to see the only original Lincoln-Douglas debate site still standing. And there’s so much more! Tour flies round-trip Chicago-Midway airport with six days of inspiring, thought-provoking presentations portraying Lincoln and the early Mormons.
We hope you can join us for this inaugural tour!
Click here to listen to an interview with Ron L. Andersen.
Daily Schedule
DAY 1
Fly SLC to Chicago-Midway (or from another city), arriving just after noon, where our deluxe, chartered bus will meet you. Stop in Bloomington, Galesburg, and Monmouth to visit pertinent sites of Lincoln’s life. At Monmouth, Joseph Smith was saved from a lynch mob because of the courage of two of Lincoln’s close friends. At Galesburg, visit Knox College – the only original structure still standing from one of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. Continue to Nauvoo for dinner & lodging (2 nights).
DAYs 2&3
Enjoy Nauvoo, the “City of Joseph” on the beautiful Mississippi built up by the early Mormons. Visit restored mid-1800s homes, shops, and church buildings; enjoy musical pioneer entertainment and a Nauvoo Temple session (optional). We’ll visit Carthage and the courthouse where Lincoln practiced law and where he saw the nearby Carthage Jail being built – the very building in which Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were martyred sealing their testimonies with their blood. This is always an emotional yet strengthening visit. We’ll travel south along the Mississippi River to Quincy for dinner & lodging and most especially to visit the historic site of the famed Quincy Lincoln-Douglas debate that turned the tide for Lincoln. Visit with an inspiring local Quincy University professor emeritus whose expertise is on the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln – you’ll gain even more understandings about Lincoln’s dedication to God and his unwavering spirit. Quincy is also the town that compassionately rescued 5,000 freezing and ill Mormon refugees from Missouri during the awful winter of 1838 as they were forced to flee for their lives with only the clothes on their backs. In fact, 2014 marks 175 years since the Missouri exodus and the mercy given at Quincy. You’ll certainly appreciate this blessed city and be humbled by the valiant deeds of its citizens. 
DAYs 4&5
For the bulk of days 4 & 5 we will visit the many historic Springfield sites dedicated to the memory and life of this remarkable 16th President of the United States – museums, Law office, library, his home, courtroom, and family life. Ron Andersen will share his insights and research of Lincoln’s life and his connections (and near-miss-meetings) with members of the early Mormon church including Joseph Smith, and many others. Learn how Lincoln was truly convinced that his life had a God-given appointment which he was determined to fulfill as an instrument in the hands of God, called upon to end slavery and solidify a promised nation once and for all. On day 5, we’ll drive to New Salem to walk back in time visiting restored sites depicting how daily life was during Lincoln’s early days including a visit to his restored grocery business, his first business venture.
DAY 6
Start the day reflecting upon Abraham Lincoln’s life at his final resting place–a magnificent, fitting memorial. Drive on to Lincoln to tour Lincoln Heritage Museum at Lincoln College. Depart for Chicago arriving at Midway airport at 5:00pm for our evening flight home.
Click here for more info on Lincoln Leadership Society.
Price and value are important to us. So far as we know, there are no other quality tours visiting all the sites we do, in historical order, as we have always done, that do not charge significantly more. Our tours offer unique participation opportunities not available anywhere else. If you see advertised similar tours that appear less expensive, please call us. They are likely missing something. 801-272-5601 or toll-free 866-335-5601.
Our published prices include: SLC air to Chicago (other cities by arrangement or credit offered to those not needing SLC group air), charter bus, lodging, all meals, tickets for scheduled events, guide services, & all fees and taxes. Nothing is added!
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Mormon Heritage Association
Lincoln & the Early Mormons in Illinois
Price per person [2] by number of persons sharing motel room
SLC to CHICAGO AIRFARE INCLUDED!
| Tour ID | Dates/Days | Price if One per room | Price each if Two per room | Price each if Three per room | Price each if Four per room | Comments | Tour Hosts* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L01 | Sep 20-25, 2014 6 days | $1581 | $1335 | $1270 | $1210 | 6 days discovering Lincoln's Illinois years co-mingled with early Mormon connections. Mild, late summer weather. | Ron L. Andersen and Kathleen Andersen |
Prices listed include Everything! See [2] below.
No surprise add-ons!
Flights priced from SLC. Other departure cities by special arrangement–please call 801-272-5601 or toll-free 866-335-5601 (within US) for details.
*Host names are those currently scheduled and most likely to serve. We reserve the right to make changes if necessary.
[1] A reservation is secured on a first-come first-served basis with a
$100 deposit per seat. The balance is due six weeks prior to departure.
Mail checks to: Mormon Heritage Association – 2367 W Goldenpointe Way – West Jordan UT 84088.
Credit cards taken by phone: 801-272-5601 or toll-free 866-335-5601 (within US).
If you cancel, there are two possibilities. If someone takes your place you get a full refund less any costs we incur to procure your replacement. If you provide a replacement, or if there is a waiting list, you would lose only the air ticket name change fee charged by some airlines. If nobody takes your place, your payments are refunded less any expenses we have incurred in your behalf.
[2] Advertised prices include: air transportation from Salt Lake City to Chicago with all taxes as quoted at booking, all meals (except any at the airport), lodging, deluxe charter bus, tickets to scheduled events, and guide services. A $3/day/person bus driver tip is encouraged. Nothing is additional.
Money-saving Opportunities:
1. Tour prices listed assume you are flying with us from Salt Lake City to Chicago. We encourage you to arrange your own air transportation if you can save money by doing so. A generous $300 credit will be issued!
2. Flying miles credits are available on some of our flights if you have an account with the airline we are using and if that airline allows such credits in group tickets.
Credit Available for Providing Your Own Air Transportation
Call 801-272-5601 or register online now for
THE VERY BEST CHURCH HISTORY TOURS!
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