Discover Little Known History at Lincoln Homestead State Park

Kentucky’s Lincoln Homestead State Park is an often overlooked park that should not be. The park is steeped in a rich history of our 16th President’s family.

President Abraham Lincoln was born February 12, 1809, in a log cabin on Sinking Creek Farm near Hodgenville, Kentucky. Today that site is preserved as the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park.

A Brief History of the Lincoln Homestead

Lincoln Homestead State Park is located in rural Washington County north of Springfield. The family moved there shortly after Lincoln’s grandfather’s death.

In the spring of 1786, the elder Abraham and his family lived on a farm overlooking Longs Run in Jefferson County near modern-day Louisville. He and his boys were planting corn when Indians attacked them. Abraham was shot and mortally wounded. The eldest son, Mordecai, ran to the cabin for a rifle and shot and killed an Indian. At the same time, a stunned 8-year-old Thomas Lincoln, the President’s father, looked on. The story was passed down through the family and became etched in President Lincoln’s mind. Years later, he would write in a letter, “The story of his death by the Indians, and of Uncle Mordecai, then fourteen years old, killing one of the Indians, is the legend more strongly than all others imprinted upon my mind and memory.”

Lincoln Homestead State Park features a replica of the cabin in which President Lincoln’s Grandmother Berhsba lived and raised her 5 kids, Mordecai, Josiah, Thomas, Mary, and Nancy, following her husband’s death. Thomas Lincoln lived in the cabin until he was 25 years old. While the cabin is a replica, it is furnished with period pieces, including several pieces of furniture built by Thomas Lincoln.

The original Francis Berry Home is also located on the property. The home is where the President’s mother, Nancy Hanks, lived. It was here that Thomas courted her. He is said to have proposed by the large fireplace inside the home.

The park also features a memorial to President Lincoln’s mother, Nancy. Lincoln was known to be very fond of her despite her passing away when he was just nine years old. The memorial is emblazoned with Lincoln’s famous quote about his mother.

“All I am or ever hope to be I owe to my angel mother” – Abraham Lincoln

The home of Mordecai Lincoln, the President’s favorite uncle, is nearby. It’s said that President Lincoln shared a sense of humor and looked like Mordecai. The Mordecai Lincoln home is the only original home still standing in Kentucky owned by the Lincoln family.

Other things to do in the park

The park’s historical relevance is clear, but there is more to do than scratch that history buff itch. Bring a fishing rod because Lincoln Homestead Lake has largemouth bass and channel catfish. The park also has an 18-hole golf course and an 18-hole disc golf course. There is a playground for the kids and a picnic area with grills and shelter from the sun.

Lincoln Homestead State Park is one of over a dozen sites in Kentucky with ties to our 16th President. If you are in the area, there is plenty of stuff to do. The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is about an hour away from the park. Mammoth Cave National Park has wonderful camping and is about an hour and a half away. Bardstown and incredible bourbon tasting is also nearby.