According to the National Park Service website, sixteen sites are dedicated to the 16th President. These sites are spread nationwide in eight states and the District of Columbia. The sixteen Lincoln Historic Sites help protect President Lincoln’s story, from his early roots in Kentucky to his memorable speech after the Battle of Gettysburg. Here we describe seven remarkable Lincoln historical sites we have visited and share how you can remember President Lincoln during your RV travels.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace, Kentucky
If you ever find yourself traveling Interstate 65 between Louisville and Nashville, we highly recommend stopping at the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is located in Hodgenville, KY.
When you first arrive, you will notice the small visitors’ center. This visitor center houses a small museum containing authentic artifacts from the Lincoln family’s time in Kentucky, including the Lincoln family Bible.
In addition to the visitor center, a replica of the cabin that Lincoln was born in is housed here. It is protected in what many refer to as the first Lincoln monument.
This awesome memorial building was constructed between 1909 and 1911 in an effort by the Lincoln Farm Association to commemorate the life and accomplishments of Abraham Lincoln and protect what we now know as the Symbolic Birth Cabin.
Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia
When you think of Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War comes to mind. Yet, the Independence National Historical Park protects the story of American Independence. It is here that the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed.
Yet there is a plague here in honor of Lincoln. On February 22, 1861, Lincoln stopped here on his way to his inauguration. During his stay, Lincoln honored the birthday of George Washington. Then he helped raise an American Flag above Independence Hall. The plaque above marks the spot where Lincoln stood to raise the flag, and speak to the crowd.
Antietam National Battlefield, Maryland
You can’t visit a Civil War Battlefield without learning about Lincoln. The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest day in American history. It was also the battle that ultimately led to Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation.
During our visit, we took the time to visit both the battlefield and the National Cemetery. This is a great place to visit to learn about the actual cost of the Civil War. In addition, you will learn about how it led to Lincoln freeing the slaves.
The National Park Service protects many Civil War sites. These sites include nine National Military Parks, eleven National Battlefield Parks, and One National Battlefield Site. In addition, there are several National Historical Parks and thousands of National Monuments. Click here to learn more about visiting Civil War sites.
Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania
The Battle of Gettysburg was the Civil War’s bloodiest battle. In addition, it inspired President Abraham Lincoln’s immortal “Gettysburg Address.”
This was the very first National Park Service location we ever visited. We started at the Visitor Center. Inside you will find the Gettysburg Museum of the Civil War. We highly recommend paying a small fee to view these exhibits. It contains the most extensive collection of Civil War artifacts in the world.
In addition, we highly recommend the audio tour. You can pick up the map, and information, at the visitor center. This tour will take you around the Battlefield at your own pace.
Finally, the Gettysburg National Cemetery is a must-do. It was here that President Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address.
Ford’s Theatre, Washington D.C.
This is the site of the April 14th, 1865, assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. At the time Lincoln was 56 years old. The War that divided the nation during his time was only over for 5 days.
In order to visit the Theatre, and view the President’s State Box, you need to have a timed entry pass. We highly recommend getting your tickets ahead of time. You can get them online on the Ford’s Theatre website.
Inside the Museum, you will find an NPS visitor booth. Here you can get the Junior Ranger program information. We sat through a Park Ranger guided theatre tour to complete the program. Although this is not necessary, we highly recommend it.
Across the street from the theatre is the Peterson House. Lincoln was taken here, and ultimately, he died after being shot. Although the line to get in was long while we visited, it moved quickly. You will see a replication of the room, and the bed, where Lincoln died.
The Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.
This may possibly be the most famous of the Lincoln Historic Sites. This massive memorial sits on the western end of the National Mall across from the Washington Monument.
Inside the Monument is the famous, larger than life, statue of the 16th President.
This Memorial to Lincoln is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. There is an NPS visitor kiosk located nearby. Here Park Rangers offer assistance, and daily tours from 9:30 am to 10:00 pm.
Throughout time, the Memorial has become a symbolic place in the Country’s History. This is especially true related to the Civil Rights movement. There have been a number of famous speeches given in front of the Memorial. More than likely none more famous than Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
We have been fortunate ourselves to visit Washington D.C. a number of times. Twice we visited during the Washington D.C. 4th of July celebration.
Many Americans will see this memorial throughout their lives in textbooks, pictures, and even on their money. However, there is nothing like walking up those famous steps, and coming face to face with the giant statue of Lincoln.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore is a massive sculpture carved into the granite of the Black Hills in South Dakota.
It includes the sculpted faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln.
These Presidents were chosen to represent the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States.
Mount Rushmore is open daily from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m..
We were able to stop at Mount Rushmore while traveling west to Yellowstone National Park.
There was a small fee of $10 to park the RV in the parking area at the Memorial. Fortunately, there was room in the parking garage for RV’s.
We spent a few hours walking around and viewing the Mountain. In addition, we visited the museum inside of the NPS Visitor Center.
Like all other NPS sites we have visited we learned all about Mount Rushmore while completing the Junior Ranger Program.
Our Experience Visiting Lincoln Historic Sites
Using our RV to visit National Park sites nationwide has been a blessing. With over 400 sites protected by the NPS, there is certainly something for everyone.
In addition to visiting sites related to Lincoln, we have also visited several sites related to the American Revolution.
Not everyone can visit all of these Lincoln historical sites. However, if you are in the area of any of them, we recommend stopping by.
We love to hear from our followers. Please leave a comment below.
Have you visited any of the Lincoln Historic sites? Are there other historic sites you have visited you wish to share? Do you have a specific type of historic site you visit?
