Shown here with Geoff Ladd, Larry Van Bibber and members of the City Council and Tourism Bureau Board of Directors, the Railsplitter Covered Wagon is the largest covered wagon in the world.  It's creation is an inspirational story about determination, as it was created during Mr. Bentley's recovery from heart disease. 

For several years, the wagon has been located in the Divernon/Pawnee area, but recent developments prompted Mr. Bentley to contact the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau about the wagon's purchase.  Inspired by idea of having this wonderful tribute to Abe Lincoln located in the namesake community, Executive Director Geoff Ladd set out to make it happen.  Mr. Bentley wanted the wagon to be located in a community that was rich in both Abe Lincoln and Route 66 heritage, and Lincoln, Illinois is one of those towns.  The Tourism Bureau's website and marketing design is centered around those two features of the county's history. 

After weeks of searching for the money to purchase the wagon, Mr. Larry J. Van Bibber of Lincoln came to the rescue.  He generously donated the money for the purchase to the Tourism Bureau. 

The wagon arrived on a cold winter morning in January 2007, and caused traffic delays for hours as curious travelers stopped in to take pictures and ask questions.

When fully assembled, the wagon weighs five tons and measures 40 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 24 feet tall.  Abe Lincoln, seated in the front reading a book, weighs 350 pounds and measures 12 feet tall.

The Railsplitter Covered Wagon was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World's Largest Covered Wagon.

The wagon is parked at the J & S Auto Centre/Penache Boutique (1006 Woodlawn Road) on the corner of Woodlawn and Route 66. 

Some have asked why Mr. Lincoln isn't facing Lincoln itself and the answer is simple.  The majority of visitors who come through Lincoln on Route 66 start in Chicago and head south.  Mr. Lincoln is ready and waiting, facing the visitors as they come to our fair city.