Will County's Historic Landmarks
Will County Rural Structure Surveys
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Historic Landmark Registry - Lincoln Hotel/Old Brick Tavern |
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Said to have been built before the Civil War, the Old Brick Tavern (circa 1846), was constructed of locally fired red brick (uncommon in the early days of the County). Known as a stagecoach stop along the Old Sauk Trail that passed through this area, there are claims that Abraham Lincoln was once a guest here while on a visit to nearby Joliet. It has also been said that the Old Brick Tavern was a stopping point on the Underground Railroad. Will County records show that Samuel Haven, a well-known abolitionist who was indicted for being an underground railroad conductor, resided on the property during the Civil War in 1862. Although the Old Brick Tavern was razed in 1995, local folklore along with historical facts brought further investigation, which demonstrated the historical significance of the Old Brick Tavern. A monument, built from original bricks recovered from the demolished building, has been erected on the site.
The Old Brick Tavern Site was designated a Will County Historic Landmark on September 21, 1995.
Historic Name: Lincoln Hotel/Old Brick Tavern
Common Name: The Old Brick Tavern
Location: New Lenox Township
(This site is located on private property and permission must be granted by the property owner to view the monument in its entirety.)
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