As an attraction, the Railsplitter is still relatively new. But the replica old-fashioned covered wagon pays homage to a time long since passed. It also has gained notoriety as the largest in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The Railsplitter is located in the small Illinois town of Lincoln, in Logan County. Illinoisan David Bentley created the replica covered wagon in 2001, which stands a whopping 25 feet tall and measures 40 feet in length. It is located in front of a Best Western hotel.
The towering landmark is designed to resemble a prairie schooner from the country’s pioneer days. It includes a bench at the front for the driver. The back of the structure features accommodations for a bed.
Abraham Lincoln, the country’s 16th president, is a centerpiece within the covered wagon. A 12-foot-tall fiberglass version of the influential leader is shown reading a book titled, “Law.” The depiction is designed to show him commandeering the wagon through the open plains.
Depending on outdoor conditions, and time of year, the wagon is sometimes open to see inside. Other times, it is enclosed with the signature white tarp over it.
A plaque noting the covered wagon’s distinction as the largest in the world was installed at the structure in 2007.
The Railsplitter is intricately tied to Route 66, which runs along the replica’s resting place in Lincoln. David Bentley completed the structure to coincide with the 75th anniversary of Route 66.
Lincoln is a city steeped in history. The community has a historic downtown corridor and was first settled in the 1830s.
For more details on The Railsplitter, and other Illinois attractions near it, visit Logan County’s tourism website. Looking for other larger-than-life roadside attractions in Illinois? There are many!
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