Historical Marker of the Week: Lincoln Homestead State Park

by Josh



Lincoln Homestead State Park
Kentucky Historical Marker 2297

Thomas and Nancy Hanks Lincoln, the parents of future president Abraham Lincoln, were married near here on June 12, 1806. Shortly after their wedding, the couple moved to Elizabethtown, where their daughter, Sarah, was born. The family eventually lived near Hodgenville, where Abraham Lincoln was born on Feb. 12, 1809.

Nancy died of milk sickness in 1818, when Abraham was 9 years old. His father, a farmer and carpenter, died in Ill. in 1851. Mordecai Lincoln, Abraham’s uncle, lived a half-mile south of here. Mordecai also moved to Ill., and, Lincoln wrote, “I often saw Uncle Mordecai.” Lincoln Homestead State Park was established 1936.

This is not the birthplace of Lincoln! If you go to this park do not ask if Lincoln was born here unless you love eye rolls. He was born in Hodgenville, KY located in Larue County.

So why is this a state park then? Because Lincoln was so famous they even gave things remotely related to him a park. His parents were married near here and his uncle who died when Lincoln was just in his early twenties lived close by for a while. If the presidents were The Beatles, Lincoln would be John, Paul, George, and Ringo.


Not even with a top hat.

I mean how many parks did James Buchanan get? One. His Parents? Zip. Suck on that Harding.


Oops, looks like you already did.

I had the opportunity to explore Lincoln Homestead Park with two Haltermons, Becky and Laurie, and a soon to be Haltermon, Alex Morris. (I am assuming he is taking Laurie's name just to be more googleable.)


The one and only Alex Morris Haltermon

We wore top hats.


Warning: Do not stare directly into the eyes.

We looked at stuff.




And what great monument could we possibly build to begin to show our gratitude to the woman who birthed our greatest president, Abraham Lincoln?


You gave us Lincoln, we give you rocks.

We stood on things.


Yeah, I conquered it.

There were cabins.


This is a replica of the cabin that Lincoln's father,Thomas lived until he was 25.

We crossed a bridge!


Just what the internet needs, more pictures of Becky.

Birthplace or not, a fun trip was had by all. Look for a future post with the exciting story behind milk sickness. Stay tuned!