Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site
Lincoln's New Salem
A reconstruction of the pioneer village on the original site where Lincoln lived as a young man for six years. More than twenty log buildings, shops and a mill recreate frontier life in the 1830s.
Lincoln's New Salem lies on the Sangamon River about 32 km northwest of Springfield. Lincoln lived here from 1831 to 1837, working as a clerk, postmaster and surveyor, and was first elected to the state legislature from this village. In the 1930s the village was rebuilt on its original site, with 23 log houses, the Berry & Lincoln Store that Lincoln helped run, a schoolhouse, a tavern, a sawmill and a gristmill. The interiors are furnished as they would have looked at the time. In spring and summer, costumed interpreters demonstrate blacksmithing and weaving. The visitor center shows an introductory film, and an outdoor theater hosts performances in summer. Admission is free (donations are encouraged), and the site is generally open Wednesday to Sunday, with shorter hours in winter. It can be combined with a visit to Lincoln's Tomb on the same day, about a 30-minute drive away.
Opening hours
Wed–Sun, approx. 09:00–17:00 (shorter hours in winter)
Nearby sights
- Lincoln Tomb
- Washington Park & Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon
- Illinois State Capitol
- Illinois State Museum
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Old State Capitol State Historic Site
- Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site
- Illinois Governor's Mansion