A Look at New Salem State Historic Site

New Salem State Historic Site proudly preserves one of the most historic villages in the Americas. This 19th Century community is accurately restored and adapted to the lifestyles of the 1830's.

A young Abraham Lincoln decided to live in the village of New Salem while co-piloting a flatboat down the Sangamon, Illinois and Mississippi waterways. New Salem was a growing community, boasting a sawmill and gristmill, a tavern, general stores, a post office, stagecoach stop and several craftsmen. Lincoln considered the potential of the village boundless and decided to settle there. As the town developed, so did his career. Lincoln developed from a self-admitted "aimless piece of driftwood" to a merchant, surveyor, postmaster and captain of the local militia. And finally it was here, where by the flicker of candlelight, he began to study law.

Today, you can touch the history and feel the emotion of yesterday as you walk through the winding paths of the village. Smell the fresh bread baking. Hear the rat-tat-tat of the blacksmith's hammer. Watch the hands of the candlemaker dipping the village light. And wonder to the skills of a woman performing magic with her spinning wheel. A village brought back to life with oxen, farm animals, craftsmen and interpreters giving you a historic overview of an era gone by. And a final walk through the famed New Salem will recreate for you the history you and the family will enjoy.

With camping on the grounds, the outdoor lover can venture out by tent, van or camping trailer. The 200 site campgrounds are open March 15th to December 15th. Showers and flush toilets are closed during the winter months. Picnic among the trees and listen to the birds and animals. Your family will love it.

Nestled within Lincoln’s New Salem is a nationally acclaimed repertory theatre. Theater in the Park at New Salem is an outdoor amphitheater surrounded by wilderness – a unique environment for entertaining summer performances for the entire family. There are a variety of programs available throughout the year. Enjoy self-guided walking tours, school programs, lively historical demonstrations, interpreters in period clothing and regularly scheduled special events just to name a few.

On those very special days, if you choose to take a part in activities that you'll long remember, visit the village's many "special events". New Salem really comes to life. No matter when you visit New Salem State Historic Site, you'll always find interpretive staff throughout the village willing to take you back into history and help you imagine life as it was in those exciting days of Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President of the United States.

Click Here To Visit The Official New Salem State Historic Site Website

Click Here To Visit The National Park Service Web Page: "Lincoln's New Salem 1830-1837"