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During the summer of 1987, the National Park Service began a comprehensive restoration project at the residence of Abraham Lincoln, within Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Springfield, Illinois. An integral part of this initiative were archeological investigations carried out over a 14-week period following the June 1, 1987, start of construction. Those investigations were intended to accomplish three goals: 1) locate and protect historic archeological features known from previous excavations, 2) monitor all construction activities that might impact upon any other cultural resource in and about the Home, and 3) identify, evaluate, and record all cultural resources encountered during the restoration project.

This report summarizes the archeological findings made at the Lincoln Home while restoration efforts were under way. Many of these have direct bearing upon the historical accuracy of the present restoration, as they revealed heretofore unknown information about certain elements of the structure. Other finds have less pertinence to the restoration, though they do contribute to our understanding of changes made to the Home after the Lincoln occupancy. In addition, the excavation of several utility lines in the Lincoln yards and neighboring lots served to locate areas that should be considered archeologically sensitive when any future ground disturbance is contemplated within the park area.

Due to the sensitive nature of this subject this report is available to professional archeologists only. If you order this manuscript we may contact you for verification of your profession.