Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site is a fascinating living history museum near Springfield, Illinois. It preserves and celebrates the life and times of Abraham Lincoln when he was young. This site is a must-see for anyone interested in American history and the life of one of the country’s most famous people.
The historic site is on more than 700 acres of rolling hills and forests along the Sangamon River, about 20 miles northwest of Springfield. Lincoln lived and worked in the town of New Salem from 1831 to 1837. The site has a reconstructed village that looks like New Salem. The village has more than 20 restored log cabins, shops, and other buildings that make it feel like a frontier town in Illinois in the middle of the 19th century.
Visitors can look around the village and its buildings, watch demonstrations of traditional crafts like blacksmithing, pottery making, and spinning, and learn about how people in New Salem lived when Lincoln was president. The site also has a museum with things from Lincoln’s life and information about the history of the village.
One of the most interesting things about Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site is that it gives people a chance to learn about Abraham Lincoln’s life before he became a well-known figure in the United States. Lincoln worked as a store clerk, a postmaster, a surveyor, and a militia captain during his time in New Salem. He also got involved in politics in his village and gave his first speeches in public there.
The reconstructed village at the site shows what Lincoln’s life and work were like during this time. People can look around the Rutledge Tavern, which is where Lincoln stayed and where he may have courted Ann Rutledge, a young woman who was important in his early life. They can also go to the store where Lincoln worked, the schoolhouse where he sometimes taught, and the cooper’s shop where he worked for a short time.
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site is important because of its history, but it is also a beautiful natural area with places to play outside. The site has a number of hiking trails that go through the woods and along the river. From these trails, you can see beautiful views of the countryside. People can also fish in the river or have a picnic on the grounds.
Overall, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site is a fascinating place to visit that gives a unique look into the life of Abraham Lincoln and the history of the Illinois frontier. Anyone interested in American history, and especially those who are interested in the life of one of the country’s most respected leaders, should go to the site.
From April to October, the site is open, but the hour’s change depending on the season. There is no charge to get in, but donations are welcome. There are guided tours, and people can also look around on their own. The site is good for families because it has things for people of all ages to do and see.
Plan to stop by Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site if you are going to be in Springfield, Illinois. This site is a must-see for anyone who likes history, the outdoors, or just wants to learn more about the life of one of America’s greatest leaders. It will give you a memorable and educational experience.