Lincoln birth

Abraham Lincoln, what, the 16th president of the USA, was born in a log cabin. Forever it was believed that it was this one here. The history chanel, the guide told us, did the research which proved in 2004 that it was not this one. This is used now described as a surrogate one, so much like the original as to be believable. In the early 20th century it was housed in this Greek temple, a shocking contrast of architecture.

I would have build a larger log cabin to protect the humble "original." One door. One window. A chimney--what else could be part of the design.

Scholars do believe that the site is correct. Abe lived here--or suckled here--for two years, his first two. His father, Thomas, had bought the 300 acre farm on which this was located, for $200. Kentucky had just ceded from Virginia and land deeds were frequently contested and Tom lost the land for nothing and had to move on.

Close to the house is a magnificent spring which emerges from a natural tunnel and drops down three feet or so into a small pool. A white oak stump is the only remaining element (they told us)from the year of his birth and it is mostly rotted away.