Lincoln Homestead State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lincoln Homestead State Park |
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Vintage postcard of Lincoln Cabin at Lincoln Homestead State Park
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 Lincoln Homestead State Park
Location in Kentucky
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| Location | Springfield, Washington, Kentucky, United States |
| Area | 120 acres (49 ha) |
| Elevation | 738 ft (225 m) |
| Established | June 19, 1936 |
| Governing body | Kentucky Department of Parks |
| Website | Lincoln Homestead State Park |
Lincoln Homestead State Park is a special state park located near Springfield, Kentucky. It's in Washington County. This park covers about 120 acres. It has historic buildings and rebuilt structures. These buildings are linked to Thomas Lincoln, who was the father of President Abraham Lincoln.
The Francis Berry House is the only original building still standing. This is where Nancy Hanks, Abraham Lincoln's mother, worked as a seamstress. She lived there when Thomas Lincoln was courting her. People say Thomas proposed to Nancy by the big fireplace in this cabin.
Two other buildings at the park are reconstructions. One is a "workshop" where Thomas Lincoln learned skills like blacksmithing and carpentry. The other is the "Lincoln cabin." This cabin, measuring 16 feet by 18 feet, was built where the original Lincoln family cabin once stood. Thomas Lincoln lived in the original cabin when he was a boy. The reconstructed cabin uses logs that are 115 years old. The furniture inside was made by Thomas Lincoln himself, as he was a skilled artisan.
The Lincoln Family's Early Days
Captain Abraham Lincoln, the grandfather of President Lincoln, moved to this area. He came from Virginia around 1781 or 1782. He moved with his wife, Beersheba, and their children after the American Revolutionary War.
Sadly, Captain Lincoln passed away in May 1786 during an encounter with an American Indian. His oldest son, Mordecai, bravely saved young Thomas. Mordecai shot the American Indian before any harm could come to his younger brother. Captain Lincoln was buried near the cabin, but his exact burial spot is not known today.
Things to Do at the Park
The historic buildings at Lincoln Homestead State Park are open for visitors. You can explore them between May and September.
- Picnic and Fish: Visitors can enjoy a picnic by the lake. You can also go fishing in the lake.
- Playground: There is a playground available for children to enjoy.
- Golf Course: The park also has an 18-hole golf course. This golf course is on land that Mordecai Lincoln once farmed.
- Mordecai Lincoln House: Across the road from the golf course is the Mordecai Lincoln House. Mordecai built this house when he was an adult. It is recognized as a historic structure by the state.
