A Lost Speech Remembered: New Abraham Lincoln Mural Unveiled in Bloomington, IL

In the heart of downtown Bloomington, Illinois, history has found a bold new voice. A massive new mural now honors one of Abraham Lincoln’s most legendary — and mysterious — moments: the Lost Speech of 1856. This tribute isn’t just about preserving a piece of history — it’s about bringing it to life in vivid color and community spirit.

What Was the “Lost Speech”?

On May 29, 1856, Abraham Lincoln took the stage at Major’s Hall in Bloomington during the Anti-Nebraska Convention, delivering a fiery condemnation of slavery that electrified the audience. So powerful was his oratory that journalists in attendance allegedly put down their pens, too captivated to record it. As a result, no full transcript of the speech exists today — only its legend.

Historians and scholars widely consider the ‘Lost Speech’ to be among Lincoln’s most pivotal addresses—essential to his path to the presidency. The speech is credited with helping solidify the anti-slavery movement in Illinois and catalyzing Lincoln’s rise to national leadership. Though the words are lost and the building is gone, the impact remains centuries later. And now, thanks to a dedicated team of local artists, historians, and community supporters, this moment has a new home.

Mural Dedication in Downtown Bloomington

On May 29, 2025 — exactly 169 years to the day after Lincoln’s Lost Speech — the city unveiled a striking 45-foot-tall mural on the side of Rosie’s Pub, located just across from where Major’s Hall once stood (now the site of the Lincoln Parking Garage).

The mural, painted by Central Illinois artist Troy Freeman of Free Sky Studios, depicts Lincoln in full oratorical passion. It’s part of a statewide mural initiative supported by the Illinois Office of Tourism, designed to elevate communities along the historic Route 66 corridor.

The dedication ceremony featured:

• A Civil War–era concert by the 33rd Illinois Regimental Band

• Remarks from local historians, including Lincoln scholar Guy Fraker

• A Lincoln impersonator who led the crowd from the McLean County Museum of History to the mural site

• A family-friendly coloring contest, engaging local children in the celebration

A Work of Art with a Playful Twist

The mural isn’t just an educational tribute — it’s also interactive. Freeman included several hidden “Easter egg” mice throughout the painting, giving visitors an added incentive to explore every detail. It’s this blend of serious history and playful engagement that makes the mural so special.

Major’s Hall: Gone, but Not Forgotten

The original Major’s Hall, where Lincoln delivered his speech, was demolished in 1958. Today, a parking structure stands in its place, but this mural allows the speech to once again echo through the streets of Bloomington, which is located directly across the street from each other.

Major’s Hall plaque located at Lincoln Parking Garage (right)

For those walking by, the mural offers a moment of pause — a connection to a turning point in our nation’s history, right where it happened.

Planning Your Visit

If you’re visiting Bloomington:

• Start at the McLean County Museum of History (200 N Main St) to explore Lincoln exhibits and learn more about the city’s past

• Walk just a block south to Rosie’s Pub (106 E. Front St), where the mural graces the east-facing wall

Why It Matters

Public art like this serves as a bridge between past and present. It educates, inspires, and brings communities together. In commemorating Lincoln’s Lost Speech, Bloomington has done more than preserve history — it has invited us to experience it.

Have you visited the mural yet? Share your photos and tag @VisitBloomingtonIL and @gdevore_realtor — and see if your friends can find all the hidden mice!   

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