Civil War Sesquicentennial

Posted on April 11, 2011

Did you know that on this day in 1861, the Civil War officially started with the attack on Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina? The year 2011 commemorates the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. In honor of the Civil War Sesquicentennial, learn about Lincoln's Indiana Boyhood Home where young Abe grew from a boy into the man who would one day lead this great nation. It was on this very same land many years ago that Lincoln discovered his love for knowledge and the concepts of freedom, justice, and the law. Trace the past of a man whose legacy is still forging the future. Enjoy a walk up the Lincoln Boyhood Trail to the Living Historical Farm from the Memorial Center at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. The farm is a working pioneer homestead with a cabin, outbuildings, split rail fences, animals, gardens, and field crops. Watch as rangers in period clothing perform a variety of activities typical of the 1820s such as cooking, plowing, and even blacksmith demonstrations. Experience a day in the life of the Lincoln family by helping with household tasks and farm duties. Visitors can help with such everyday jobs as cracking corn, wool carding, weed pulling, and even sheep shearing! Your family will have fun interacting with the live animals and even meeting some of the newest members of the farm, including three little lambs, Molly, Polly, and Roscoe! (Not Mary's little lambs but Lincoln's!) The Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial and Living Historical Farm is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information about Lincoln's Indiana Boyhood Home call the Spencer County Visitors Bureau at (888) 444-9252 or email [email protected]. Enjoy the spring weather with your family and experience what it was like to grow up in the wilderness of what is now Spencer County, Indiana.