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Lincoln's New Salem

  1. Petersburg
  2. Lincoln Village Museum

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Lincoln's New Salem

Description

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 frontier village as a boatman, soldier in the Black Hawk War, general store owner, postmaster, surveyor, and rail splitter, and was first elected to the Illinois General Assembly.Lincoln left New Salem for Springfield in 1837, and the village was generally abandoned by about 1840, as other towns developed. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built a historic recreation of New Salem based on its original foundations, establishing a state park commemorating Lincoln and Illinois' frontier history. The village is located 15mi northwest of Springfield, and approximately 3mi south of Petersburg.Original New SalemNew Salem was founded in 1828, 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.

Address: 15588 History Ln, Petersburg (Illinois) 62675
Phone: (217) 632-4003
Email: [email protected]
State: IL
City: Petersburg
Street Number: 15588 History Ln
Zip Code: 62675
categories: community museum


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Reviews
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 visit New Salem.
Took 5 grandchildren ages 6 to 14. They all enjoyed learning from the volunteers like the lady spinning wool into yarn & the blacksmith. Really enjoyed the children's house. They got to dress up in period clothing, prepare "meals" & "build" a log cabin.Visited onWeekday
We stayed in site 59, directly across from the showers, flat, shady, but under a sweet gum tree that was dropping pods on the rv so that was noisy but not damaging. Rural campground adjacent to New Salem Village. Nice trails to walk, access to Sangmon river for kayaking and fishing approx 1 mile. Campground has lots of flat, shady spots and keeps about a dozen sites unreservable and available for walk-ins which is unusual nowadays. There are very few amenities in the park. No campstore, pool, just one small pavilion and old -school playground. There is a tavern right across from the campground though! Shower house was kept clean each time we were there but since there was only half a dozen campers, not surprising! If you usually stay in rv parks and koa, you'll probably be disappointed. If you're like me and want calm, quite, close to nature, it will be perfect.
Nice campground that allows access to the Lincoln New Salem village. The sites are really close to each other.
Excellent park and we thoroughly enjoyed our walk through the town. There are people dressed in period costume that will give you a history of the buildings. The visitor center/museum is very well done. We stayed at the campground and had a great site. Recommend reserving well in advance if you need 50 amp service as they have just a few of those. Dry large RV campground with lots of trees. Husband was stung by wasp when he opened up the cover on the electrical box so beware! Site was lovely and we will stay again. Highly recommend visiting here!
We loved it adults. The children are too young and hated it. I remember there being a playground towards the center. Where other children would play. There are no playgrounds. So if your children are not old enough to understand what the site is or even into the idea of seeing the history. Do not take them. That goes for adults too. If you even have one person not into the historical site. No one will enjoy the time and it will be a waste as well as negatively affecting the other who actually are enjoying themselves. Like I said. The adults had a great time. I love seeing the site. The actors are so cool. But when you have others in your party who don't care. It just ruins it.
I visited here in 1979 or 1980 and was so surprised to see a Visitor's Center now. That was the highlight of the day for me. When the reinactors are there, it will be good for outside activities.Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNoPrice for adult entryFree
This is a recreation of the village where young Abraham Lincoln lived for six years 1831-1837. It features several historical buildings including homes, a school, a tavern, stores that Lincoln used to work at ... The visitor center has many interesting artifacts from that era and brief historical facts about Lincoln. Sometimes, activities from that period are also featured.
With my son on his school field trip and we had a blast walking through New Salem looking at the cabins and just talkin about the history.Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNoPrice for adult entry$1–5
It doesn't seem to be convenient from anywhere but is worth the trip. Lots to see and lots to learn and the employees, most of which are volunteers, we're very kind and helpfulVisited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNot surePrice for adult entry$11–15
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