DECATUR - Millions in federal funds could come to the region to help promote Abraham Lincoln attractions.

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, a Springfield Democrat, introduced legislation recently to create an Abraham Lincoln heritage area in Central Illinois.

The legislation could bring up to $10 million over 10 years to the region for preservation, education and economic development, according to a news release from Durbin's office.

U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Peoria,.;introduced similar legislation in the House.

"This is really great news," Mayor Paul Osborne said. "As we seek to get more tourists coming to Decatur, and as we approach Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday, these sites become more significant."

Local sites in the heritage area include the log courthouse where Lincoln practiced law, the mansion of longtime Lincoln friend and former Illinois Gov. Richard J. Oglesby and the Lincoln Trail Homestead.

The log court house now stands on the grounds of the Macon County Historical Society and Museum. Ogelsby's mansion is near downtown Decatur, and the homestead is located near Harristown.

"Illinois is known as the.;Land of.;Lincoln," Durbin said in a news release. "This state shaped his character from youth to adulthood. Designating a National Heritage Area will allow us to bind together the elements of Lincoln's life in Illinois. We want to tell the whole Lincoln story to our students, families and visitors."

The heritage area includes the following counties in Central Illinois: Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Champaign, Christian, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Fayette, Fulton, Greene, Hancock, Henderson, Jersey, Knox, LaSalle, Logan,

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McLean, McDonough, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Peoria, Piatt, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, Tazwell, Vermilion, Warren and Woodford.

Lincoln's footprints are all over the community, Osborne said.

The corner of Main and Main streets in downtown Decatur, commonly called Lincoln Square, is filled with Lincoln history.

At the square, Lincoln is believed to have camped with his family when they first came to town. Lincoln also delivered his first political speech and practiced law at a log courthouse at the square.

Lincoln's ascent to the White House began a few blocks away in downtown Decatur, where he was dubbed the Railsplitter and nominated for president by the state Republican Party, with Oglesby among his staunchest supporters.

Last year, the city hired former state Lincoln curator Kim Bauer to spearhead efforts to promote the community's Lincoln ties, and several local tourism groups continue to work together to promote the region's heritage, Osborne said.

"As far as secular icons, there is none greater than Abraham Lincoln," Osborne said. "We have a lot to market here."

Mike Frazier can be reached at mfrazier@ herald-review.com or 421-7985.