Follow In The Footsteps: Abraham Lincoln

You will all know the name Abraham Lincoln, but how much do you really know about him? Wouldn't it be an incredible learning experience for children if they actually followed in the footsteps of this American icon?

Luckily for you we have outlined some things to do with kids in the USA that will allow you to really learn about the life of the man who was 16th President of the United States!

Image Credit: Public Domain

Abraham Lincoln was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky on February 12, 1809 so your first step on your "Abraham Lincoln Tour" must be the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace Historic Site.

The simple log cabin where Lincoln was born was destroyed by a fire during Lincoln's lifetime but today you can visit the spot where the cabin stood, and appreciate his humble beginnings. It's at this site you can learn about what events in his childhood helped shape his character and ready him for what was to come during the Civil War. 

On the spot that the cabin once stood is also the countrie's first ever memorial to Abraham Lincoln!

Image Credit: NPS

Continuing your Abraham Lincoln journey your next stop should be the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Lincoln City, Indiana.

It was in 1816 that Abraham Lincoln and his family moved from Kentucky to Indiana and remained there until 1830 when they moved to Illinois. A visit to the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial will take you right back to the 1820s as this historic site as re-created homesteads and memorials to help tell his story.  When you arrive head to the visitor center where you can watch a 15 minute orientation film to really get re-connected with his story and learn about his family.

Image Credit: NPS

There are plenty of places to explore at this national memorial, including Pioneer Cemetery where Abraham Lincoln's mother is buried as well as the Cabin Site Memorial which they believe was the third Lincoln cabin (all of which you can find this on the Lincoln Boyhood Trail!)

As Abraham Lincoln became a husband and a father, he moved to Springfield, Illinois where he really started to come into his own. Here, you can visit the Lincoln Home National Historic Site where 

The home was built in 1839, and opened to the public in 1887 after Lincoln's death. Today it's restored to it's 1860 appearance, so you can just image this great man sitting at his desk, or wandering around the halls with his family!

Whilst in Springfield you can visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.  This Library Museum is a fascinating, enjoyable and unique history museum experience where you can learn more details about Lincoln and his life.  Don't miss the impressive full-sized replica of the 1861 White House facade, as well as priceless Lincoln artefacts on display!

Image Credit: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Finally, it makes sense to end your "Abraham Lincoln Life Tour" with a trip to Washington DC where you can tour the Lincoln Theatre which was the location where Abraham Lincoln was assasinated on April 15, 1865.

Whilst in DC make sure you head over to view the iconic Lincoln Memorial. Not only does this impressive structure pay tribute to the former President, but you can also see a plaque marking the spot where Martin Luther King Jr made his famous "I have a dream" speech.

Image Credit: Library of Congress

The Lincoln Memorial was built in 1912 and can be found at the far western end of the National Mall. The highlight is the memorial's 19ft tall statue of the man himself which is surrounded by 36 columns - each of these columns representing a state of the union at the time of Lincoln's death in 1865. 

Image Credit: Public Domain

Why not follow in the footsteps of this American icon and learn all about the man that was born in a log cabin in Kentucky and grew up to be the 16th President of the United States? His story is one that will live on in history, so why not be part of it?