On August 27, 1853, Abraham Lincoln witnessed the first sale of lots for the new town named after him. After the lots were sold, Lincoln christened the new community with the juice of a watermelon. These activities took place on or very near the spot now occupied by the Lincoln Depot. There is a sign and watermelon marker commemorating this on the south side of the Depot grounds. The Lincoln Depot opened as a fully functional Chicago & Alton railroad station in 1911. It was a bustling train station for 61 years before its closure in 1972. In the fall of 1977 renovations began to transform the Depot into a restaurant. Restoration efforts took great care in retaining the feel of the old train station right down to retaining the original terrazzo floors at the entrance. Also, additional rooms and four Illinois Central train cars were added making the Lincoln Depot the most distinct and unique restaurant in the region. Today the Depot is a full-service restaurant facility with a capacity of over 300. It is host to rehearsal dinners, business meetings, seminars, parties, and good old fashioned family get-togethers. The unique history, distinct design and wonderful interior amenities ensure that there is no other restaurant like the Lincoln Depot! | 