Lincoln Manahan Museum

Abraham Lincoln, then 47, came to Sterling to speak at a rally for presidential candidate, John C. Fremont. On July 18, 1856, a twist of fate brought Mr. Lincoln to the home of Sheriff William Manahan to spend the night. He slept on a sofa with two chairs placed at its end to accommodate his long legs. In the morning he graciously thanked his host and left Sterling and the rest is history! The home has been restored and its interior, furnishings, and facade reflect the time when Lincoln visited in the late 1850s. The Lincoln-Manahan House, restored as a museum by the Sterling Rock Falls Historical Society, is open for weekend public guided tours starting April 1st. Tours held each Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each afternoon. Off street parking is available and guided tours are free but donations are always welcome to help maintain the site.