Looking For Lincoln (Day 2 – Lincoln’s Home, New Salem, Lincoln’s Tomb)
My second day excursion took me deeper into the life of Abraham Lincoln. My day began with visiting the home of the late President that he inhabited with his wife and young sons during his time practicing law in Springfield. The bi-level home was filled with period accurate objects of the past and allowed each visitor to step into the life of not only Lincoln but his family and his help at the home. Each room possessed such accurate detailing down to the wallpaper that was recreated from a small swatch found and model toys that his children would have played with at the time. Our tour guides made sure to fill us in on the stories and traditions that took place within the home and made each room come to life. It was extremely interesting to view how the family lived during a time without many of the modern luxuries that we all experience today, yet, there was such a touch of class and elegance within the space.
Not only was it a treat to see where Lincoln dwelled during his time before Presidency but it was even more fascinating to see where Lincoln grew up as a young man. I had the privilege of visiting New Salem, a place where the young Abe Lincoln discovered his many crafts and talents that developed into the man that later led a nation. New Salem molded Lincoln into a man of purpose where he began to develop a love for law and politics after stints with several practices and jobs. I was taken aback by the level of detail and the recreation of the entire town. Each home was crafted as replicas of a town that once stood and housed several families and businesses. There was also an indescribable passion within our guide who was filled with knowledge and facts surrounding New Salem. Walking along the path I was taken back in time as I viewed several of the log cabin homes and had the opportunity to step inside and view the furnishings and objects used for survival, leisure, and simple decoration. What would have topped off the entire visit would have been the opportunity to see New Salem in action. In the summer the town comes to life with actual reenactments of the neighbors and families that occupied the town and you can actually see characters performing duties and tasks as you would have years ago.
As the final destination of my visit to Springfield it seemed appropriate to visit Lincoln’s Tomb. My entire trip I learned about the life and triumphs of a man that faced his demise after going through several obstacles and challenges. Reflecting on my trip and the life of Lincoln was a great eye opener and I made sure to take it all in. Great times were had on my weekend excursion and I am looking forward to heading back this summer to see Lincoln come alive in a place so crucial to the development of a great man and a great state, Springfield Illinois.
Of course I rubbed Lincoln’s nose for good luck before leaving as well.
MeechyMonroe, born and raised on Chicago’s Southside, is a lifestyle blogger at meechymonroe.com.
this would be my first choice of a wonderful week in Illinois ….specially for me my family and grandchild…