Where Lincoln Became Lincoln - The Story Behind New Salem’s Iconic Statue

 

Statue by Avard T. Fairbanks 

Near the entrance to New Salem State Park in Illinois—one of this nation’s great historic shrines—stands a majestic nine-foot statue of Abraham Lincoln. In his left hand, he holds a frontiersman’s axe, symbolizing the tools with which he might have labored in obscurity. In his right hand, he holds a large book, representing Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Laws of England, the tools of thought, leadership, and justice. These objects embody Lincoln’s pivotal decision to leave behind the familiar and embrace the unknown, forging a path into an undefined future.[*]

Entitled The Resolute Lincoln, this statue symbolizes New Salem’s role as the crossroads of Lincoln’s evolution. Here, the gangling, rawboned youth who arrived in 1831 transformed into a determined lawyer—equipped with courage and purpose—ready to bid farewell six years later to his friends, neighbors, and the security to face the unknown. The bronze-cast figure stands not only as a tribute to Lincoln’s journey but also as a reminder of the strength required to rise beyond the ordinary and pursue greatness.

Viewing this work, one envisions The Resolute Lincoln setting out for Springfield, where he lived and practiced law for nearly a quarter of a century. Yet it is his eyes—fixed resolutely on his ultimate destiny—that speak to the unshakable determination that defined his life. Lincoln’s ability to lay aside the tools of labor and to take up the tools of leadership serves as an enduring symbol of transformation and courage.

 New Salem—this tiny frontier community that nurtured Lincoln’s aspirations—will forever hold a luminous place in the story of America. It was here that a young man faced a choice: to toil in anonymity or dare to carve a path toward an uncertain but extraordinary future. The Resolute Lincoln reminds us that greatness often begins with humble decisions and that the quiet courage to leave the known for the unknown can lead to the most remarkable journeys.

Must-Visit for History Enthusiasts

For those who wish to walk in Lincoln’s footsteps, New Salem State Park offers a compelling journey through the early years of one of America’s most revered leaders. This reconstructed frontier village brings history to life, featuring log cabins, costumed interpreters, and the very spaces where Lincoln forged his identity as a thinker and leader. At the entrance, The Resolute Lincoln statue stands as a powerful tribute to his journey from humble beginnings to national prominence.

Beyond the statue, visitors can explore the blacksmith shop, general store, and the very streets Lincoln once walked, gaining insight into the challenges and triumphs of frontier life. Whether you’re a history buff, a traveler seeking inspiration, or simply someone drawn to the legacy of Lincoln, New Salem, Illinois invites you to step back in time and witness the place where his extraordinary journey began.

This was another anecdote about Abraham Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac

Works Cited

[*] This statue was created by renown Lincoln sculptor Avard T. Fairbanks (1897-1987), and dedicated to the New Salem State Park in 1954.

The idea and parts of this story came from a passage in John J. Duff’s 1960 work, A. Lincoln: Prairie Lawyer. (NY: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.) pp. 33-34.