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Lincoln's New Salem Years Shape Illinois Legend
In 1810 a tall flatboatman Abraham Lincoln stranded his boat near New Salem Illinois and chose to settle for six formative years. He studied by firelight, served as postmaster and surveyor, joined the Blackhawk War, endured business failures, and pursued Ann Rutledge. The town grew then declined, while Lincoln rose to prominence in Springfield as lawyer, politician, and future president. New Salem is now a recreated state park with cabins tavern shops.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New Orleans
Sangamon
New Salem
Abraham Lincoln
Springfield
Lincoln
U.S
U.S. Senate
United States
Mary Todd
Rutledge