Kentucky History: Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War

Abraham Lincoln is no doubt one of the most consequential and renowned figures in United States history. Starting as a lowly boy from Kentucky, the man fought for years to gain political office, and many more years beyond that to gain the presidency. With the South seceding from the Union the moment Lincoln took office, he had his work cut out for him.

You'll see major parts of the president's life up close, experiencing a piece of what he had to go through. Walk the grounds of Civil War battles. Learn the complicated process of eliminating slavery and keeping the Union together. Meet Lincoln.

The Lincoln Birthplace and Lincoln Boyhood Home

The best way to learn about a person is seeing where they grew up. The same can be said for President Lincoln. As a child, Abraham Lincoln had it rough. Not only did his family grow up in extreme poverty, but he lost his birth mother when he was only 9 years old. Nothing was easy, but he still made it through.

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
The future president was born just south of what is now Hodgenville, Kentucky. Come see Lincoln's birthplace on your Kentucky trip!

Lincoln Homestead State Park
If you want a close look at Lincoln's upbringing, this is an excellent place for a family outing. The Abraham Lincoln homestead gives you a look into American lives from a different time. You can also try your hand at several outdoor activities like fishing, golfing, and disc golf.

Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home at Knob Creek
Drive ten minutes north from where Abraham Lincoln was born and you'll find the cabin in which he was raised. The Abraham Lincoln house teaches what it took to farm as an average, poor family in the early American west and learn what Lincoln learned there. Visit the Abraham Lincoln home today!

A Challenging Life and Presidency

Looking at Lincoln's life can show you some of the additional struggles the man dealt with. Historians report that he may have had depression. His wife potentially had her own mental health struggles. He was given the Herculean task of keeping the country together in its most divisive period ever.

Abraham Lincoln Museum
In the heart of Hodgenville, you can have some of your questions answered about the legendary president. The Lincoln Museum in Kentucky takes you throughout the course of the man's life, with the blemishes and highlights that enshrouds.

Mary Todd Lincoln House
View Mary Todd's home growing up. As a wealthier woman living in the south, you can discover more about the complicated identity of the First Lady and wife of one of the greatest presidents of all time.

Remembering the Civil War

The Civil War was one of the largest tragedies of American history. The North and South were divided over the concept of slavery and race. Because of this war, many lives were sacrificed to preserve the belief that "All men are created equal". While the Kentucky Civil War was fought for the side of the Confederacy, we can still learn a lot from the men who sacrificed their lives for freedom.

Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site
Home to one of the most devastating Civil War battles, Perryville is a fantastic place to poignantly reflect about the issues faced by the former president and the people who fought on behalf of keeping the country unified.

Camp Nelson National Monument
Overlook the vast greenery of Kentucky at this historic American site. Camp Nelson was an emancipation site and refugee camp for escaped slaves during the Civil War.

Farmington Historic Home
In downtown Louisville, you can find the Farmington Historic Plantation. A former slaveowner's home, you can learn about the scar of slavery on America's history. This was the main reason the Civil War was fought.

More kentucky Fun!

Made in KY

Devine's Farm & Corn Maze, Zipline Racers & Paintball Field

At Devine's Farm, during the summer months, we produce wholesale fruits and vegetables. Lots of fun activities for the young (and young at heart) including a giant slide, hay maze, trike track, petting area, nightly bonfire with free marshmallow roasting, and much more!

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Equestrian

Rock'n B Farm, Horse and Carriage

Enjoy old-style farm activities, farmstays, handcrafted and restored gifts, and historical horse drawn carriage rides. Also features Fall Farm Festival, Cowboy-style cooking events, Farm Christmas Carriage Rides, and White Percheron horses.

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