BLOOMINGTON -- Bloomington was all about Abe Lincoln Saturday for the former president, who returned to the city closest to his heart for his 200th birthday celebration.

The festivities opened with a flag raising with the 10th Volunteer Mounted Union Cavalry and a short speech by Lincoln at the McLean County Museum of History, 200 N. Main St.

The 16th president told a cheering crowd that he was happy to be back in Bloomington, "the place I truly consider to be my second home."

Standing above the crowd, on the base of a column, Lincoln recalled his roots in the area.

"Right here in Bloomington I was asked to run for president. Bloomington was the most important city to my election," said Lincoln.

Accompanying Lincoln impersonator Chris Holtz was Deborah Senger, who depicted Mary Todd Lincoln.

"Lincoln's Bloomington: A 200 Year Birthday Celebration" was organized by Spirits of Bloomington Tours and the history museum.

Events included a blacksmith demonstration at Burr House Bed and Breakfast, 210 E. Chestnut St.; carriage rides at Vrooman Mansion Bed and Breakfast, 701 E. Taylor St.; a soldier encampment at The Oaks, 301 E. Grove St.; and a fashion show at the history museum.

Carol Kilgore of Chestnut dressed in costume for her role as the chief camp cook of the union regiment. She and her husband, Alan, have been involved in Civil War re-enactments since last fall. He serves as commander of the dismounted unit, a group of soldiers who dismounted from their horses for battle.

"My husband has always loved the Civil War. Then he found a black powder pistol in his aunt's barn and the rest is history," said Kilgore.

Children were among the most eager visitors to the camp site, said Kilgore.

"We can teach children more in one visit than teachers can in six weeks. We live as they lived and that educates the public," said the camp cook.

Lincoln and other distinguished guests were expected to visit the campsite Saturday night for a dinner of ham, sweet potatoes, strawberry shortcake and Union pudding.

Dressed in a stunning green gown and bonnet that would have turned heads in the 1800s, Civil War enthusiast Linda Limer strolled the streets of downtown Bloomington for Lincoln's party. Limer said much of her knowledge about Lincoln's period came from her work as a volunteer with an Indiana historic site.

"Lincoln is one of the greatest American stories ever told --from humble beginnings to the White House," said Limer.

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Top 10 Lincoln links to Bloomington

1. Lincoln's lost speech

During a convention at Bloomington's Mayor's Hall on May 29, 1856, Lincoln gave a speech - since lost - that helped reinvent the Republican Party in Illinois. Its then-controversial theme was ending slavery in the United States.

2. Lincoln first asked to run for president

At Phoenix Hall on Washington Street, Lincoln was first approached to run for president in December 1858. Although skeptical of his chances, he officially accepted the nomination in May 1860.

3. Bloomington buddies

Lincoln's staunch supporter and friend Asahel Gridley lived in the Oak Mansion in Bloomington, a house that Lincoln stayed in on a number of occasions. Abe's closest friend, David Davis - later his election campaign coordinator - also lived in Bloomington.

4. University days

Lincoln and friend Jesse Fell laid the foundations for what was to become the site of Illinois State University on May 5, 1857.

5. Sight for sore eyes

Lincoln purchased his first pair of eyeglasses in Bloomington in 1856, at the age of 46 years old. The store was located on Jefferson Street, on the site now occupied by Blimpie's sandwich store.

6. Legal eagle

Lincoln ran a law office on Front Street, four months of the year, for Asahel Gridley. The site is now occupied by Rosie's restaurant.

7. There is no sanity clause

Lincoln assisted with the case in Bloomington (People vs. Wyant, 1857) in which the insanity plea - now a staple defense in legal proceedings - was first used. The defendant was acquitted.

8. The missing bodyguard

Bloomington resident Ward "Hill" Lamon, who rode with the 8^th judicial circuit around the district with Lincoln, later became the president's bodyguard. Tragically, Lamon was sent on an errand away from Washington on the night Lincoln made his fateful visit to Ford's Theatre in April 1865.

9. Close shave

Lincoln was probably a regular customer for Bloomington barbers - Abe was clean shaven until 1860. The only occasion he was seen in Bloomington sporting his trademark beard was on May 3, 1865, when his memorial train stopped in town en route to the burial.

10. Views from the balcony

Lincoln delivered speeches and took part in debates from the balcony of the Pike House Hotel, located on Center Street, delighting the crowds below. His sparring partner, Stephen Douglas, also spoke there.

SOURCE: 200^th birthday celebration committee