what is the lincoln new salem settlement

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What is Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site?

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site is a reconstruction of the former village of New Salem in Menard County, Illinois, where Abraham Lincoln lived from 1831 to 1837.

What happened to New Salem after Abraham Lincoln left?

When Lincoln arrived in 1831 at age 22, the settlement was only a few years old, rising above the Sangamon River where James Rutledge and John Camron constructed a grist and saw mill. Ironically, only two years after Lincoln left the town, nearby Petersburg gained the county seat, causing New Salem to dwindle and die as rapidly as it once grew.

Is Lincoln’s New Salem Open?

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site - Information COVID-19 UPDATES Per the Governor and Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ orders, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site is now partially re-opento allow Illinois residents to engage in outdoor activities. What is open and closed at Lincoln’s New Salem SHS?

What caused the decline of New Salem?

Ironically, only two years after Lincoln left the town, nearby Petersburg gained the county seat, causing New Salem to dwindle and die as rapidly as it once grew.

When did Abraham Lincoln move to New Salem?

1831In 1831, Abraham Lincoln was a young man of 22 when he and a couple of companions floated down the Sangamon River in a flatboat on their way to New Orleans. In mid-April, he neared New Salem, Illinois, a small village founded two years earlier by James Rutledge and John M.

Why is New Salem called New Salem?

New Salem was first settled in 1737 and was officially incorporated in 1753, named for the settlers from Salem that founded the town. The geography of New Salem benefited greatly from the construction of the Quabbin Reservoir.

What jobs did Abraham Lincoln have in New Salem?

His job with Offut did not last long but the knowledge he gained from his job was to help him later on. In his spare time, Lincoln worked at many oed jobs such as splitting rails, working as a farm hand, clerking at elections, and acting as a pilot for flat boats going down the river.

Where did Lincoln move in 1831?

After helping his father establish a farm in Macon County, Illinois, Lincoln set out on his own in the spring of 1831. Lincoln settled in the village of New Salem where he worked as a boatman, store clerk, surveyor, and militia soldier during the Black Hawk War, and became a lawyer in Illinois.

What county is New Salem Massachusetts in?

Franklin CountyNew Salem / CountyFranklin County is a nongovernmental county located in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Massachusetts. As of the 2020 census, the population was 71,029, which makes it the least-populous county on the Massachusetts mainland, and the third-least populous county in the state. Wikipedia

How big is Salem Massachusetts?

18.3 mi²Salem / Area

How old is Abraham Lincoln now?

Abraham Lincoln's exact age would be 213 years 6 months 23 days old if alive. Total 78,001 days.

What ethnicity was Abraham Lincoln?

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, the second child of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln, in a log cabin on Sinking Spring Farm near Hodgenville, Kentucky. He was a descendant of Samuel Lincoln, an Englishman who migrated from Hingham, Norfolk, to its namesake, Hingham, Massachusetts, in 1638.

What was the name of the play Lincoln went to see when he was assassinated?

Our American CousinIt was then that John Wilkes Booth shot President Abraham Lincoln in the back of the head with a . 44 derringer pistol during a performance of the play Our American Cousin.

Where did Lincoln sleep in the White House?

The project was completed by November 2005. This 2005 color photograph showcases the Lincoln Bedroom, located on the Second Floor of the White House. Previously used as an office and Cabinet Room, the room became a bedroom in the family quarters during the 1902 Roosevelt renovation.

What are 3 interesting facts about Abraham Lincoln?

➢ At 6 foot, 4 inches, Abraham Lincoln was the tallest president. ➢ Lincoln was the first president to be born outside of the original thirteen colonies. ➢ Lincoln was the first president to be photographed at his inauguration. John Wilkes Booth (his assassin) can be seen standing close to Lincoln in the picture.

Where was the White House when Lincoln was president?

In Springfield, where the Lincolns had lived for the previous two decades, the Lincoln family had trouble keeping a single servant girl to help Mary Todd Lincoln. In the White House, there was an extensive staff to tend to the gardens and the family's well-being.

Why was New Salem Illinois abandoned?

Original New Salem Over the first few years of its existence, the town grew rapidly, but after the county seat was located in nearby Petersburg, the village began to shrink and by 1840, it was abandoned. The fact that the Sangamon River was not well-suited for steamboat travel was also a reason for the town's decline.

Was Abe Lincoln a postmaster?

On May 7, 1833, Abraham Lincoln, at the age of 24, was appointed postmaster at New Salem, Illinois. He served until the office was closed May 30, 1836.

When was Salem Illinois founded?

1823Salem was founded in 1823 as the County Seat of the newly formed Marion County. It is situated halfway between the Indiana and Missouri borders on what was originally the Vincennes-St.

Where was Abe Lincoln born?

Larue County, KYAbraham Lincoln / Place of birthLaRue County is a county in the central region of the U.S. state of Kentucky, outside the Bluegrass Region and larger population centers. Its county seat is Hodgenville, which is best known as the birthplace of United States President Abraham Lincoln. Wikipedia

Where is Lincoln's New Salem?

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site is a reconstruction of the former village of New Salem in Menard County, Illinois, where Abraham Lincoln lived from 1831 to 1837. While in his twenties, the future U.S. President made his living in this village as a boatman, soldier in the Black Hawk War, general store owner, postmaster, surveyor, ...

When was New Salem founded?

New Salem was founded in 1829, when James Rutledge and John Camron built a gristmill on the Sangamon River. They surveyed and sold village lots for commercial business and homes on the ridge stretching to the west above the mill. Over the first few years of its existence, the town grew rapidly, but after the county seat was located in nearby Petersburg, the village began to shrink and by 1840, it was abandoned. The fact that the Sangamon River was not well-suited for steamboat travel was also a reason for the town's decline.

Why did the Sangamon River decline?

The fact that the Sangamon River was not well-suited for steamboat travel was also a reason for the town's decline. In 1831, when Abraham Lincoln's father, Thomas, relocated the family to a new homestead in Macon County, Illinois, 22-year-old Lincoln struck out on his own.

How many people visited Lincoln's New Salem?

Lincoln's New Salem was visited by approximately 600,000 people in 2006. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, under the name, Lincoln's New Salem Village. The historic site includes a visitor's center with an exhibit and theater.

What was Lincoln's village?

When Lincoln lived in New Salem, the village was home to a cooper shop, blacksmith shop, wool carding mill, four general stores, a tavern, a grocery, two doctors' offices, a shoemaker, a carpenter, a hat maker, a tanner, a schoolhouse / church, several residences, common pastures, and kitchen gardens.

When was Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site opened?

In 1919, the land was gifted to the State of Illinois. The site was open to the public on May 19, 1921.

Is the Onstot Cooper Shop reconstructed?

Twenty-two of the village buildings are reconstructed; one log cabin, the Onstot Cooper Shop, is original, although it had been previously moved by Henry Onstot to Petersburg in 1840. In 1922, it was returned to New Salem on what archeologists believe was its original foundation. In addition to archeological investigations, much of the town was recreated based on period documents and the recollections and drawings of former residents, who had been interviewed in the late 19th century.

Where is Lincoln's New Salem?

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, about 2 miles South of Petersburg and about 20 miles Northwest of Springfield, is a reconstruction of the village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood. GPS Coordinates - N39.58.550' W89.50.511'.

What is the significance of your generosity to Abraham Lincoln?

Your generosity helps us achieve our mission to "preserve, protect, and interpret" this pioneer community of the 1830’s , stressing the life of Abraham Lincoln while he resided in the village. We greatly appreciate your contribution towards the necessary upkeep of this highly visited and beloved historic site.

What happened to New Salem after Lincoln left?

Ironically, only two years after Lincoln left the town, nearby Petersburg gained the county seat, causing New Salem to dwindle and die as rapidly as it once grew.

Where is Lincoln's New Salem?

You'll find the village about 20 miles northwest of Springfield on highway 97. It's a great place to bring kids (by the carload or busload) ...

Who is the statue of Abraham Lincoln?

Next to the Visitor Center stands a famous nine-foot bronze sculpture by Avard Fairbanks, presented to the State of Illinois in 1954. It portrays a young Lincoln in the symbolic act of discarding his axe and taking up his law books because Lincoln first started studying law while he lived at New Salem.

Who was Lincoln's mentor?

Mentor Graham who helped Lincoln figure surveying calculations ... James Rutledge who organized the debating society where Lincoln honed his public speaking skills ... Ann Rutledge, who apparently captured Lincoln's heart.

Why is Lincoln's New Salem under threat?

Today, Lincoln’s New Salem is under threat because of its age and uncertainty over funding to maintain it. Several organizations, dedicated individuals, and state officials are desperately searching for monies to repair and preserve this unique memorial.

What was Lincoln's role in New Salem?

This seminal period in his life’s journey transformed him from sometime farmhand, sometime flatboat operator, to the politician/lawyer who would one day save the nation. The people of New Salem played a significant role in this process. The focus of this piece is on Henry Onstot and his descendants. Their major contribution to the New Salem saga is the work of Onstot’s descendants in preserving the gospel of the village and its role in Lincoln’s life. Onstot came to the area in 1826. He moved to New Salem in 1830, a year after its founding. His first home and barrel shop were on the bluff above the river. Lincoln borrowed an auger from him to bore a hole in the bottom of his flatboat to drain it when it got stuck on the dam at New Salem. Two years later, Onstot moved into the Rutledge Tavern after Rutledge had vacated and moved to Sand Ridge. Onstot had operated the tavern for two years and Lincoln boarded there for much of that time. During these two years, Onstot built the cabin and shop on the west end of the village, which is part of today’s village.

What was the first reconstruction of New Salem?

Many don’t realize there was a completely different reconstruction of New Salem before the 1933 version we experience today. The Old Salem Lincoln League, the first such organization committed to recreating Lincoln’s pioneer town, held a building-raising in July, 1918. Men were recruited from Petersburg and the region, many of whom were relatives of original New Salem residents; two had lived there in Lincoln’s time. The 1918 buildings were eventually razed to make way for the recreation of the 1930s. The photo shows, from left to right, the Hill-McNamar store, the Berry-Lincoln store, and Dr. Allen’s house under construction.

What did the Civilian Conservation Corps do in New Salem?

The young men of the Illinois Civilian Conservation Corps planted trees, constructed paths, and built some of the structures for the present recreation of New Salem. A Roosevelt-sponsored relief program, workers were paid monthly and were required to send a portion home to their families. This image shows the front gate of Camp New Salem in 1931-2 when the CCC transformed New Salem into a state park. One of their first tasks was the construction of their own barracks to replace their earlier tents. Life was almost military in nature but included welcome trips to Springfield for restaurant meals and movies.

Where was Lincoln and Salem published?

Onstot’s book, “Lincoln and Salem, Pioneers of Mason and Menard Counties”, (cited here as, Lincoln and New Salem). It was self published by him in 1902 in Forest City , Illinois. Henry moved to Forest City for the last 10 years of his life, after his wife’s death. This volume contains 83 pages of “Reminiscences of Lincoln about New Salem.” The text is intermingled with other Lincoln subjects that are not first hand. It should be noted that Reep refers to, “T.G.” as, “T. J.”

When was Salem State Park reconstructed?

A long-planned major reconstruction was begun in the early 1920s but only carried out in the early 1930s. It’s the New Salem State Park we experience today: thirty-seven buildings in a beautiful wooded setting. This mammoth undertaking was the work of two governors (Emmerson and Horner), a state architect, the young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps, and those who collected regional antiques and furnished the buildings’ interiors. The Lincoln League has long been the stewards of many aspects of the management and operations on the site including the interpreters and theatre productions.

Who created the map of New Salem?

This “map” of New Salem was platted, copyrighted and published in 1909 by R. J. Onstot, second-born son of Henry. R. J. was born in New Salem in 1830. The layout of the reconstructed village conforms to this map, although the current entry road differs. This reproduction is from the seminal work, Lincoln at Salem by Thomas P. Reep, published by the Old Salem Lincoln League in 1927, (cited here as Reep) . Lincoln’s New Salem, by Benjamin P. Thomas, published in numerous editions since the 1930’s, and is still in print, is the more widely distributed primer on the village.

How long did Lincoln live in New Salem?

Platted in 1829, the town existed for about twelve years before being abandoned and left to pasture.

What is the sidewalk in Lincoln's New Salem?

Lincoln’s New Salem features all sidewalks (outside of the Historic Village) that are concrete and concrete slabs. In the historic village, the main walkways are sealed stone, rock, and asphalt that are accessible.

Where are restrooms at Lincoln's New Salem?

Restrooms are located inside the Visitor Center, in the historic village, and inside the two shower houses at the campground. Vault toilets in the picnic areas are both accessible as well. There is one set of vault toilets located across from the campground adjacent to the group camping area, as well as one set located in the Sangamon Picnic Area.

What is the turning point at Lincoln's New Salem?

A video, Turning Point, telling the story of Lincoln's New Salem years, is screened in the auditorium every half hour. The visitor center and concession areas, as well as many of the log houses, are accessible to persons with disabilities. The site hosts a number of special events.

Is New Salem a non profit?

The New Salem Lincoln League, a non profit organization made up of interested local citizens, supports New Salem by raising funds through the operation of the Museum Store and gift shop. While the village is New Salem’s greatest attraction, most of the site's nearly 700 acres are a wooded park with hiking trails, picnic areas, ...

Is New Salem open to visitors?

The historical village is open during site operating hours, and visitors are free to walk through at their own pace. Signs on the log buildings explain various aspects of the village's history, and on most days, especially during tourist season, interpreters dressed in period clothing may be encountered throughout the village. A museum displays artifacts that once belonged to New Salem residents. A video, Turning Point, telling the story of Lincoln's New Salem years, is screened in the auditorium every half hour. The visitor center and concession areas, as well as many of the log houses, are accessible to persons with disabilities.

Is Lincoln's New Salem handicap accessible?

All motorized wheelchairs and scooters are permitted in accessible areas at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site including the two historic buildings that are handicap accessible.

Where to make a reservation for a Springfield Convention?

Groups should arrange for a reservation with the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-545-7300 or by writing them at 109 S. 7th, Springfield, IL 62701.

Is Lincoln's Salem State Historic Site open?

Per the Governor and Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ orders, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site is now partially re-opento allow Illinois residents to engage in outdoor activities.

Overview

Original New Salem

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site

See also

External links