New Salem, Illinois facts for kids

New Salem is a name used for several places in the state of Illinois, USA. The most famous of these is Lincoln's New Salem, which is a special park that looks exactly like a small village from the 1830s. This village is important because a young Abraham Lincoln lived and worked there before he became a famous president.

Discovering Lincoln's New Salem

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site is a recreated village in Menard County, Illinois. It shows what life was like in the early 1830s when Abraham Lincoln lived there. This site helps people understand the challenges and daily routines of pioneers in America.

What Was the Original New Salem Village?

The original New Salem was a small, growing village founded in 1829 by James Rutledge and John Camron. It was located on a bluff overlooking the Sangamon River. The village was a busy place for a few years, with stores, mills, and homes. It served as a local center for trade and community life for the people living nearby. However, by the late 1830s, other towns grew larger, and New Salem slowly faded away.

Young Abraham Lincoln's Time in New Salem

Abraham Lincoln moved to New Salem in 1831 when he was 22 years old. He lived there for about six years, until 1837. During his time in New Salem, Lincoln worked many different jobs. He was a clerk in a general store, a postmaster, and even a surveyor, which means he measured land. He also served in the Black Hawk War for a short time.

While in New Salem, Lincoln spent a lot of time reading and studying. He borrowed books and taught himself about law, grammar, and other subjects. This period was very important for his education and personal growth. It was also in New Salem that he first became involved in politics, running for and winning a seat in the Illinois General Assembly in 1834. His experiences here helped shape him into the leader he would become.

Recreating the Village Today

Today, Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site is a living museum. It has 23 buildings, including homes, shops, and workshops, that are carefully rebuilt to look like the original village. Many of these buildings are on their original foundations. Visitors can explore the cabins, see tools from the 1830s, and learn about pioneer life. Sometimes, people dressed in period costumes show what daily life was like, making the history come alive. The site helps thousands of visitors each year imagine what it was like to live in Illinois almost 200 years ago.

Other Places Named New Salem

Besides the famous Lincoln's New Salem, there are other places in Illinois that share the name:

• New Salem Township, McDonough County, Illinois
• New Salem, Pike County, Illinois
• New Salem Township, Pike County, Illinois

These places are smaller communities or areas that also carry the historic name "New Salem."

See also

• New Salem (disambiguation)