day 15...Still with Lincoln

Illinois State Capitol Building

Saw Mill at New Salem. Lincoln worked here as a hired help

Lincoln's first store at New Salem ( it went bankrupt )

Lincoln used this as sleeping area. ( Behind the store and the Post office)

"Mother Road " Route 66 A Crazy Dog Store ( known to have invented the Corn Dogs)

The storm finally left and there was a little blue sky and some Sun during the day. We took advantage of the absence of the storm and went to New Salem. This is 20 miles from Springfield and this is where Lincoln came to live in 1832 as a young man of 22 years. This was a frontier town of 25 families. He worked at the Saw Mill, Slept in a Lodge for $1 a week and eventually ran a General Store selling house hold stuff. He slept in the back of the store and also worked as the town Post Master. Lincoln did not have any formal school education before he got here. He was at New Salem for 6 years and during this time , he taught himself law ( by borrowing books from where ever he could) and participated in the local debates. He was known as a nice boy but a LAZY one because he read most of the time:)

Anyway, New Salem visit was very educational as well as a nice relaxing small village with lots of green around. Although most of the structures are recreated based on the description of the era but it looks very authentic and gives a feel of the life of that time. A definite place to visit to learn about Lincoln's early life.

Back to Springfield, we took a tour of the Capitol building ( along with bunch of 8th graders, who told us they liked our shoes:). State Capitol building is very impressive, our tax dollars at work.

In the evening , we drove on the " Mother Road: Route 66 and saw some landmarks. The Crazy Dog " place has been family owned and operated since 1930's. The Corn dog was invented here. There are lots of old pictures and stories posted on the walls.

So, that's it for the Lincoln country. It is inspiring and educational. I wonder what inspired this 22 year old young man to get himself educated and work his way to become the president of United States.

Good night for the day. Sleep well and have sweet deams.