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[Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, Central Kentucky]
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Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
The United States entails significant historic places that have been set aside by the
government and used by members of the public as national parks. Most of these sites are set on
spacious land and are used to preserve American history, also offering inspiration and education
to different generations. At the beginning of the 19th century, America initiated the concept of
national parks as a way of conserving its history. During this period, an awareness of nature
ensured the preservation of some of the most significant cultural and historical sites which could
be enjoyed by the future generations. Most of the American population visited these sites for
them to experience the first-hand beauty of these scenic sites. A primary historic site in the U.S
is the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park constructed in honor of the 16th
president of the United States, and the site contains an essential memorial landscape, also
enabling individuals to appreciate historical events that happened during Abraham's Lincoln
reign.
Abraham Lincoln was born in 1809 in rural Central Kentucky. He is said to have been
born in a log cabin, and when he was around two years, his father moved the family to Knob
Creek. The fascinating story of Abraham's journey into the presidency of the U.S having been
born in a log cabin has been shared to different generations and used to symbolize the unlimited
potential of Americans. The national historic park is located in the same area Lincoln was born
in the region of Hodgenville, Kentucky (Forner 2017, 59). The site houses a log cabin that is
enclosed in a stone monument. This monument entails a single room, which is approximately the
size of a standard living-room. The log cabin is fitted in the monument as a way of illustrating
the humble beginning of Abraham Lincoln. There is also the sinking spring, which is located
down the hill. His family relied on the spring for the daily water supply; hence Abraham had his
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fast taste of water from the spring. There are several wildlife animals in the park. Some of them
include the raccoon, gray squirrel, red fox, and the white-tailed deer.
Inside the memorial unit is a well-carved statue of Lincoln. The designer of this statue
displays the strength and compassionate nature of America's 16th president. The hands are
positioned in a manner that displays the two leading qualities of Abraham. The design presents a
clenched fist, an illustration of the president's determination to bring an end to the civil war. The
other hand seems more relaxed, which could depict his warm nature and compassion for the
human race. The cabin housed in the area is small and straightforward, representing the
simplicity of Abraham's early years (Hewitt and Mark 2019, 241-242). The house that houses
this cabin is constructed from marble and granite, and it is a unique structure acting as a symbol
of honor Lincoln held in American history. There are walking trails at the birthplace which trace
Lincoln's paths in his early days, where he used to draw water from the renowned sinking spring.
The main lesson that was intended by constructing Abraham Birthplace National park is
evident. An individual can have a humble beginning and eventually rise to riches. His impressive
childhood home is illustrated in the monumental construction. The major historical event that led
to the construction was Abraham's role in the American civil war that saw him advocate for
freedom and justice for all parties in the country. The national park was dedicated in 1922, a
historical event witnessed by about 50,000 people (Shwartz 2018, 729-732). This saw the
evolution from Lincoln's sculptors to an iconic construction of a memorial park, which will serve
as a point of reference to the future generations.
The site has enabled me to appreciate American history. Lincoln is a known figure in the
U.S, and having learned his humble beginning is fascinating. There are vital features that trace
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his early years, such as the cabin where he was born and the spring where the family drew water
from. Lincoln was assassinated in the period of the American civil war. Still, his passion for a
united America made him play a significant role in sensitizing for social justice, freedom, and
equality for all. The beautiful scenic site is a choice for any young person who desires to obtain
the origin of one of the American most influential presidents.
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References
Foner, Eric. "Abraham Lincoln, the Thirteenth Amendment, and the problem of freedom."BGeo.
JL & Pub. Pol'yB15 (2017): 59.
Hewitt, Mark Alan. "The Log Cabin: An American Icon, by Alison K. Hoagland." (2019): 241-
242.
Schwartz, Barry. "Memories of Lincoln and the Splintering of American Political Thought by
Shawn J. Parry-Giles and David S. Kaufer."BRhetoric & Public AffairsB21, no. 4 (2018):
729-732.
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