Washington: The Land of Lincoln

Sorry, but Springfield does NOT have the "most significant Lincoln site in the country".

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The fully restored former refuge of President Abraham Lincoln was brought back into public view Monday during a Presidents Day ceremony.

The president spent some of the country's darkest hours in the home where he lived from June to November of 1862, 1863 and 1864.

The Civil War president ordered the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves in those states which had seceded the Union, during his time at the cottage in 1862.

On Monday it was buzzing with preservation enthusiasts. A tour through the expansive white home with dark shutters reveals a sparsely decorated space with simple wooden desks, chairs and love seats.

"We think this is probably the most significant Lincoln site in the country because, aside from the White House, it's the only one that represents his presidency," said Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which spearheaded the restoration effort.

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Lincoln and his family lived at the cottage during the warmer months of the year to escape the heat of the low-lying capital. The president commuted from the cottage to the White House daily, often traveling alone on horseback, against the wishes of his advisers.

Wow, Camp David before David was a camp. Still, here in Springfield we all know the "most significant Lincoln site in the country" is the airport north of town that bears his name.