Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site — Attraction in Petersburg

Visiting New Salem State Historic Site was an absolute delight and an enriching experience that brought American history to life! As a history enthusiast, I cannot speak highly enough of this captivating destination and the incredible insight it offers into the early 19th century.

From the moment I stepped foot into the charming recreated village, I was transported back in time to the era of Abraham Lincoln's youth. The attention to detail and authenticity of the buildings, craftsmanship, and daily life activities were awe-inspiring. I truly felt like I had stepped back in time, and the historical ambiance was palpable throughout.

Exploring the village at my own pace allowed me to immerse myself fully in the lives of the people who once called New Salem their home. The reconstructed buildings, such as the Rutledge Tavern and Lincoln's own residence, provided a genuine sense of what life was like in this frontier community. I couldn't help but admire the dedication and effort that went into creating such an authentic representation of the past.

The picturesque trails and serene landscapes surrounding the historic site were a bonus. It allowed me to take a leisurely walk and reflect on the profound impact this place had on shaping America's future.

Whether you're a history buff, a student eager to learn, or a family looking for a unique and educational outing, New Salem State Historic Site should be on the top of your list. It stands as a testament to the importance of preserving our past, and it provides an immersive experience that transcends mere reading from history books.

I can confidently say that New Salem State Historic Site exceeded my expectations in every way possible. It's a place that instills a sense of pride and appreciation for our nation's history. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have visited and can't wait to return to relive this remarkable journey...

We recently strolled the streets of the recreated 1830’s town that Lincoln lived in as a young adult. It was here that we discovered how lye is made, saw the kind of boat Lincoln floated down the Mississippi River in and stood in front of the store he once owned. It was also here that we learned of several early failures that he experienced such as lost elections and failed businesses. I love living examples of perseverance.

The peaceful atmosphere as we meandered the streets allowed our minds to wander and imagine what it would have been like to live in that time. I was struck by the fact that women routinely gave birth to 10-12 children and most commonly died of childbirth, infection from a fireplace burn or fatigue (in that order). It was also not uncommon for those who lived outside of town to go years without seeing another woman. How much I take for granted in this time of information, travel and communication.

Plan on 1-3 hours depending on how much time you want to take reading about each house and the history who lived there. They also may have an interpretive costumed worker on site who can explain in more detail and answer questions you may have.

We camped in their RV park for $10/night (no electricity). Water is not at every site but if you stay during the week you might have your pick of spots like we did and can position yourself right next to a water source. They do have a dump station on site. The grounds are quiet and beautiful. Sites with electricity are $20/night (prices are higher...

This wasn't originally in our plans for our trip to Springfield. We met with some friends who were visiting their family outside of town. After lunch, they took us to this site. This is where Lincoln got his start as a junior surveyor. The gentleman who took us was also an expert and a part-time tour guide, so he gave us a brief tour. We were rushed since this was our third day, and we had to drive back home. (It was a long drive.) We spent about 45 minutes at New Salem.

Some of the homes and shops are original. Others were built in the same style as the rest of the town. We saw homes, farms, an ox-drawn mill, and other things. We only made it through about 1/3 of the site before we had to go. So, we only saw some of what we wanted, but we got a very good flavor of life in this town about 160 years ago.

It was a fascinating stop, and we're very happy we did this. The last building we saw was the mill. There is a great picture of the part where the Oxen powered the mill. Our guide was around when they showed the mill working the last time. He said it was so loud, and the pressure exerted by the Oxen was so great you could hear the thumping of their footsteps far away.

We stopped short of seeing one of two houses that were Lincoln's shops. I'm disappointed we didn't see either of them. There was one right across the road from the mill. We didn't realize it until we were leaving, and I took another look at the map.

If you visit Springfield, leave time to...