Abraham Lincoln moved to the frontier village of New Salem in 1831 and lived there until 1837. In that short time period, he worked as a boatman, dry goods store owner, postmaster, county surveyor and state legislator. He enlisted in the local militia during the Black Hawk War in 1832. While in the militia, he met John Todd Stuart, a lawyer who would encourage Lincoln to study for the law. Lincoln began his law studies during his New Salem years and became a licensed lawyer in 1836, the year before he left New Salem for Springfield, where he first practiced law with John Stuart.
The main building pictured here is Henry Onstot's Cooper Shop and is the only original building in New Salem today. The other buildings are reconstructions based on old photographs and archaeological studies.
Lovely composition Karen! I love all the wood and, in particular, the old style fence, wagon, and cabin with barrels out front. All of that juxtaposed to the bright, vibrant green. Nice.
