Originally built by Veteran Col. Matthew Rogers (War of 1812), this building in Athens, Illinois is now home to the Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum.  In 1837, a dinner party was held in the banquet room on the second floor to honor those legislators (“The Long Nine”) who were effective in passing a bill to relocate the capital of Illinois from Vandalia to Springfield.  Among those influencers in attendance, was Abraham Lincoln, who gave the evening’s toast. Here you can enjoy an audio, narrated diorama tour recounting the stories of the men of The Long Nine. Each diorama includes hand carved characters created by Art Seiving with backgrounds painted by artist, Lloyd Ostendorf. The diorama tour, the original flooring, original steps on display, the banquet room where Lincoln gave his famous toast, the history room with many copies of Lincoln's handwritten letters, and the basement history room with Rogers' fireplace make this museum a unique travel stop.