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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| Type | Kentucky state park |
| Location | Springfield, Kentucky, United States |
| Area | 120 acres (49 ha) |
| Established | June 19, 1936 |
| Administered by | Kentucky Department of Parks |
Lincoln Homestead State Park is a special place in Kentucky where you can learn about the family of Abraham Lincoln. He later became a very famous U.S. President. This park covers about 120 acres and has old buildings and recreated homes. These show what life was like for Abraham Lincoln's father, Thomas Lincoln. It's a great spot to explore history and enjoy nature!
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Exploring Lincoln Family History
Lincoln Homestead State Park helps us understand the early life of Abraham Lincoln's family. The park has several buildings that tell important stories. Some are original, and others are careful reconstructions.
The Francis Berry House
The Francis Berry House is the only original building still standing in the park. This two-story house was where Nancy Hanks, Abraham Lincoln's mother, lived and worked. She was a seamstress, making clothes for people. It was here that Thomas Lincoln, Abraham's father, courted Nancy. People say he even proposed to her by the large fireplace inside the cabin!
Thomas Lincoln's Workshop and Cabin
Two other buildings in the park are reconstructions, meaning they were rebuilt to look like the originals. One is a "workshop" where Thomas Lincoln learned important skills. He became a blacksmith, working with metal, and a carpenter, building things with wood.
The other reconstructed building is the "Lincoln cabin." This cabin is 16 feet by 18 feet and stands on the exact spot where the original cabin once was. Thomas Lincoln lived in that first cabin with his family when he was a boy. The new cabin was built using logs that were 115 years old. Many of the furniture pieces inside were made by Thomas Lincoln himself, showing his skill as a craftsman.
Captain Abraham Lincoln's Story
Captain Abraham Lincoln, the president's grandfather, moved to this area from Virginia around 1781 or 1782. He came with his wife, Bathsheba, 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 Lincoln, saved young Thomas from harm. Captain Lincoln was buried near the cabin, but the exact spot is not known today.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Lincoln Homestead State Park offers many activities for visitors. It's a great place to spend a day outdoors!
Park Buildings and Picnic Areas
The historic buildings are open for visitors to explore between May and September each year. You can also enjoy a picnic with your family and friends. There are special areas set up for picnics. If you like fishing, there's a lake where you can cast a line. For younger children, there's a playground with fun equipment.
Golf Course and Mordecai Lincoln House
The park also features an 18-hole golf course. This golf course is on land that Mordecai Lincoln, Abraham's uncle, once farmed. Across the road from the golf course, you'll find the Mordecai Lincoln House. Mordecai built this house when he was an adult. It is recognized as an important historic structure by the state.
