Lincoln Trail State Memorial facts for kids

The Lincoln Trail State Memorial is a special group of sculptures. It was created in 1937 by an artist named Nellie Verne Walker. The memorial was put up in 1938. It celebrates a very important moment: when Abraham Lincoln first entered Illinois. He was 21 years old and just starting his life as a frontiersman.

You can find this memorial at the west end of the Lincoln Memorial Bridge. It's on U.S. Route 50 Business in the countryside of Lawrence County. This spot is about 11 miles (18 km) east of Lawrenceville.

What Does the Memorial Show?

This memorial shows the Lincoln family's journey into Illinois. They arrived in early March 1830. They crossed the Wabash River from Indiana. They used a simple flatboat or ferry to get across the water.

The Lincoln Family's Journey

After crossing the river, the Lincoln family unloaded their belongings. They hitched their oxen to a cart or wagon. This cart carried their household goods. Then, they began to walk northwest. They followed old trails to find new farmland in central Illinois.

The Sculpture's Details

The artist, Nellie Walker, created a scene of this journey. The family, their animals, and the oxcart are carved into a large stone. This type of carving is called a bas-relief. It's made from Bedford stone.

In front of this carving, there is a tall young man. This figure represents young Abraham Lincoln. It is made of bronze. He stands proudly on a pedestal.

Why Was the Memorial Built?

After entering Illinois, the Lincoln family traveled to what is now the Lincoln Trail Homestead State Memorial. This spot is near Decatur, Illinois. It was there that young Abraham Lincoln went his own way.

A Tribute to Lincoln

The Lincoln Trail State Memorial was built in 1938. This was when Henry Horner was the Governor of Illinois. Governor Horner greatly admired Abraham Lincoln. He wanted the memorial to honor young Lincoln's journey.

A Welcome to Travelers

At that time, a new bridge had replaced the old flatboats. This bridge helped people cross the Wabash River. Governor Horner also hoped the memorial would be like a roadside welcome center. It would greet drivers heading west on U.S. Route 50. This road was very important for travel across the central United States.

The Memorial Today

Less than 30 years after it was built, new highways changed travel. The federal Interstate highway system was created. These new highways bypassed Lawrence County. This meant fewer cars drove past the memorial.

Even so, the Lincoln Trail State Memorial still marks a key entry point into Illinois. The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency looks after the memorial. It is not staffed, but it remains an important historical site.