Mordecai Lincoln House (Springfield, Kentucky) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Mordecai Lincoln House
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 Location in Kentucky
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Springfield, Kentucky |
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| Built | 1797 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000547 |
| Added to NRHP | August 21, 1972 |
The Mordecai Lincoln House is a special old house in Washington County, Kentucky. It's about 6 miles north of Springfield, Kentucky. This house was once the home of Mordecai Lincoln. He was the brother of Thomas Lincoln, who was the father of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. This house is important because it's the only home still standing in Kentucky that belonged to a member of Abraham Lincoln's close family. It's also located right across the road from Lincoln Homestead State Park.
A Family's Story
Mordecai Lincoln had an exciting and dangerous childhood. When he was young, he was with his father, Captain Abraham Lincoln, who was sadly shot by a Native American. Mordecai was very brave. He saved his younger brother, Thomas, by shooting another Native American who was trying to reach Thomas. This younger brother, Thomas, later became the father of the future President Abraham Lincoln.
Building a Home
In 1792, when Mordecai became an adult, he received his inheritance from his father. Later that same year, he married Mary Mudd, who came from an important family in Washington County.
In 1797, Mordecai Lincoln bought 300 acres of land in Washington County. He then built the house we now call the Mordecai Lincoln House on this property. He and his family lived in this house until 1811. After that, they moved to Grayson County, Kentucky. In 1828, they moved again to Hancock County, Illinois. Mordecai passed away there two years later.
A Lasting Landmark
The Mordecai Lincoln House is very special. It is the only home of any member of Abraham Lincoln's direct family that still stands in Kentucky. Other homes, like those of Abraham Lincoln's father, Thomas Lincoln, were taken down a long time ago. These included the Sinking Spring Farm and Knob Creek Farm. Mordecai's home in Grayson County was also removed. Even his brother Josiah Lincoln's log cabin was destroyed in 1941. This makes the Mordecai Lincoln House a unique piece of history.
