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.

A 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 ground 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.

[1] 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.

🐖 Tales of Pigs: The Stories Behind Taylorville's Unique Abraham Lincoln Statue

 

Abraham Lincoln’s unexpected connection to pigs—a mix of humor, courtroom drama, and heartfelt childhood memories—offers a surprising glimpse into his compassion and character. While Lincoln is often celebrated as a leader and statesman, few stories showcase his down-to-earth nature quite like his encounters with pigs. And nowhere is this quirky yet meaningful tribute more evident than in Taylorville, Illinois, where an imaginative statue honors Lincoln’s humor and legacy in a way unlike any other.

Taylorville’s Creative Tribute 

The town of Taylorville once faced a creative dilemma: How to honor Abraham Lincoln, who had worked as a young attorney in their Christian County Courthouse, in a way that would draw tourists and stand out from the countless Lincoln tributes across the country? An initial idea for a statue of Lincoln on horseback was deemed too costly—at $250,000—and besides, statues of Lincoln on horseback were already common. Taylorville needed something unique. [1]

On May 28, 2005, the town unveiled something that was imaginative, charming - and definitely unique - Lincoln holding his coat casually over one shoulder, gazing down at a pig at his feet. It’s the only statue of its kind in the United States. [1]

This iconic statue - The Last Stop, created by John McClarey - is a witty nod to Lincoln’s humor and recalls his time on the Illinois 8th Judicial Circuit, where Taylorville served as the final stop. Positioned on a granite base in the courthouse lawn, the statue faces northwest toward Springfield, where Lincoln lived at the time. Its design and positioning celebrate Lincoln’s wit and his connection with both towns. [2]

A Courtroom Interrupted by Squealing Pigs 

The statue memorializes - in part - a humorous courtroom story from the 1850s. Taylorville’s courthouse at the time was a two-story wood frame building perched on twelve stone pillars that elevated the floor eighteen inches above the ground—a perfect shelter for local pigs on hot days.

These pigs occasionally disrupted court proceedings with their noisy rummaging beneath the floorboards. On one particularly noisy day, attorney Lincoln humorously rose to demand a “writ of quietus” to silence the hogs. 

Lincoln’s encounters with pigs weren’t limited to humorous courtroom moments. In 1842, he represented James Masterson, whose herd of four hundred pigs escaped when a careless boy allowed the cows he was herding to break down a holding‑pen fence. Masterson lost seventy pigs worth a total of $350. Lincoln sued the negligent boy’s father on Masterson’s behalf — and lost. A jury (whose members likely had unpredictable children of their own) ruled that the father was not liable for the son’s negligence. [2] 

A Pet Pig’s Poignant Legacy 

Lincoln’s connection to pigs, however, went far deeper than legal cases and humorous anecdotes. One often-recounted story from his childhood highlights his bond with a pet pig—a joyful friendship that showcased his early compassion for animals.[3]

As the story goes, a young Lincoln was given a small suckling pig by a neighbor, and the two became inseparable. Lincoln taught the pig tricks, played games like hide-and-seek, and wandered the woods together. In his reflections, Lincoln said, “We used to play ‘hide and go seek.’ I can see his little face now peeping around the corner of the house to see whether I was coming after him.” [4]

Sadly, this companionship was short-lived. Lincoln’s father decreed the pig would be slaughtered for food—a harsh but unavoidable reality of frontier life. Devastated, Lincoln tried to save his beloved companion but ultimately failed. “To this day, whenever I see a little pig…it all comes back to me,” Lincoln later reflected. [4]

This bittersweet memory stayed with Lincoln, shaping the empathy that became a hallmark of his character.

A Lawyer’s Act of Kindness 

Years later, Lincoln had another encounter with a pig—one he could save. While traveling as a lawyer, Lincoln saw a pig trapped in the mud. Despite his companions’ laughter, Lincoln dismounted and waded into the muck to free the animal. Explaining his motives afterward, Lincoln quipped, “If I had left that little fellow in there, the memory of his squealing would have made me uncomfortable all day.” [5]

This act of kindness reveals Lincoln’s acute sensitivity, possibly rooted in the childhood loss of his pet pig. His ability to balance humor, compassion, and practicality was a hallmark of his leadership and character.

"Liberty" Lives On 

The Taylorville statue’s dedication ceremony in 2005 was memorable. The whole town turned out. A local businessman debuted an original song, "The Ballad of Mr. Lincoln's Pig," to mark the occasion. Adding even more charm, the second grade class from a local elementary school won the contest to name the pig, selecting the patriotic moniker, “Liberty.” [1]

Is Liberty carrying a rolled up copy of
Lincoln's "Writ of Quietus"?

These stories resonate deeply with those who admire Lincoln’s humanity, reminding us of the values he held dear—compassion, justice, and a keen sense of responsibility. These qualities remain the hallmarks by which true leadership should always be measured.

An Ideal Stop for History and Lunch

For those eager to see this unique tribute in person, Taylorville’s Christian County Courthouse in Illinois is a must-visit destination. The Last Stop statue, depicting Lincoln with his coat slung over his shoulder as he gazes at a pig, is the only one of its kind in the nation. Beyond this statue, visitors can explore the historic courthouse where Lincoln practiced law, stroll through Taylorville’s charming town square, and even take a short trip to nearby Springfield to see more landmarks tied to Lincoln’s life. Whether you’re a history buff or just a curious traveler, this site offers a fascinating glimpse into Lincoln’s legacy—with a little humor thrown in for good measure.

And maybe a good sandwich!

A statue, pigs, and a punchline—another animal tale from the archives of Abraham Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac

🎩 And if you’re interested in how Lincoln’s memory lived not only in towering statues but also in the pockets of everyday Americans, you might enjoy “The Passing of the Penny: The Coin of Abraham Lincoln and the Common Folk.”

Also, in the final weeks of the Civil War, President Lincoln issued an executive order—and it's a heart-warmer.

📚 Works Cited

[1] "Abe Lincoln and Pig Statue Recall Write of Quietus". Roadside America website - June 2, 2005. Retrieved March 25, 2025.

[2] "The Last Stop statue in Taylorville". Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl - April 4, 2019. Retrieved March 25, 2025.

[3] Presidential Pet Museum website. Retrieved March 25, 2025. 

[4] Iglehart, Ferdinand C. (1902). The Speaking Oak (New York City, NY: Christian Herald). pp. 176-180.

[5] Gross, Anthony (1912) Lincoln's Own Stories. New York City, NY: Harper and Brothers Publishers. pp. 31-32.

'The Resolute Lincoln': A statue's story

Statue by sculptor Avard T. Fairbanks 

Near the entrance to New Salem State Park in Illinois - one of this nation's great historic shrines - there stands a majestic nine-foot statue of Abraham Lincoln. In his left hand is the frontiersman's axe which he is laying aside, and in his right, a large book intended to represent a copy of Blackstone Commentaries. [*]

Entitled "The Resolute Lincoln", the statue symbolizes the story of New Salem as the crossroads in Lincoln's evolution from the gangling, rawboned youth, who arrived in 1831, to the determined lawyer who bade farewell to his friends and neighbors six years later.

Viewing this bronze-cast work, one pictures 'The Resolute Lincoln' setting out for Springfield, where he lived and practiced for almost a quarter of a century, but it's his eyes that are resolutely fixed on his ultimate destiny. 

New Salem - that tiny frontier community where a struggling young Abraham Lincoln found his direction - will always hold a luminous place in the story of America. 

This is another anecdote from the archives of Abraham Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac

🎩 And if you’re interested in how Lincoln’s memory lived not only in towering statues but also in the pockets of everyday Americans, you might enjoy “The Passing of the Penny: The Coin of Abraham Lincoln and the Common Folk.”

📚 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.

Lincoln's Eel Story: Wit and Wisdom in the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas Debates

 

Lincoln Douglas Debate of 1858 Statue
by sculptor Lily Tolpo
Dedicated on August 27, 1992,
the 134th anniversary of the debate.

Spreading false information or creating misinformation in a political campaign is nothing new. Abraham Lincoln faced the same issues during his time. However, Lincoln had a keen understanding of human nature. He often countered such tactics with biting ridicule thinly disguised as a witty anecdote and or a famous quote to make the perpetrators appear foolish to the voters.

This practice is evident during his fifth debate with Stephen Douglas in their famous "Great Debates" for a U.S. Senate seat in 1858. 

That day in Galesburg, Illinois, Senator Douglas spoke first. At one point in his presentation, Douglas, in an attempt to falsely portray Lincoln as an "extreme abolitionist", read a set of resolutions supposedly passed four years previously in 1854 by a convention held in Springfield against the admission of Nebraska as a slave state. These so-called "resolutions" were published in a Springfield newspaper a few days after the convention.

When it was Lincoln's turn to respond, Lincoln agreed that the resolutions read by Douglas were, indeed, the same ones published back in October 1854. But then Lincoln charged that the resolutions were not the ones actually passed by the Anti-Nebraska convention [*] at that time, and that Douglas - along with the editor of the newspaper, Charles Lanphier and another man named Thomas Harris - were part of this "forgery".

Lincoln was scrupulously honest - an unusual virtue for a politician then (or now). So rather than just blatantly accuse Douglas of writing this fake news and leave it at that, Lincoln actually built a "case" for his charge.  

The idea that it was done by mistake, is absurd. The article . . . contains part of the real proceedings of that Springfield Convention, showing that the writer of the article had the real proceedings before him, and purposely threw out the genuine resolutions passed by the Convention, and fraudulently substituted the others . . . The main object of that forgery at that time was to beat [Richard] Yates and elect Harris to Congress, and that object was known to be exceedingly dear to Judge Douglas at that time. [1]

Lincoln then accused the men of using the forgery more than once, but in doing so, he made them the butt of a memorable joke: 

"The fraud having been apparently successful upon the occasion, both Harris and Douglas have more than once since then been attempting to put it to new uses. As the fisherman's wife, whose drowned husband was brought home with his clothing full of eels [a delicacy at the time], said when they asked her, 

"What is to be done with him?" 

"Take the eels and set him out again." 

So Harris and Douglas have shown a disposition to take the 'eels' out of that stale fraud by which they gained Harris' election [to Congress], and 'set' the fraud again - more than once. 

Lincoln then concluded his "case" to the audience with this wry adaptation of Mark Antony's speech in Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar: 

"But meanwhile the three are agreed that each is 'a most honorable man'.'' 

Lincoln labeled the use of lies and false information as fraud and forgery, explaining how such tactics are used to mislead and manipulate people. However, it was his clever tale, laced with an obvious Shakespearean quote, that not only entertained the audience but also underscored the character of candidates who sacrifice the importance of truth and integrity in public discourse.

No wonder Douglas hated to hear Lincoln tell a story.

This was another tale from Abe Lincoln, storyteller.

Mac

Works Cited

[*] Just as a historical FYI: The "Anti-Nebraska" convention held in Springfield in 1854 was one of many locally organized "anti-Nebraska" meetings across the United States. Supporters included members from the many political factions at the time - Free Soil Party, Conscience Whigs, and anti-slavery-extension Democrats. These diverse political views converged on the single issue of opposing the Kansas-Nebraska Act. The Act - narrowly passed by Congress and signed into law by President Franklin Pierce - opened the Kansas and Nebraska Territories to slavery and future admission as slave states if the people living in those territories voted for slave clause to be added to their state constitution. By its enactment the new law nullified the prohibition of slavery in any territory north of  36° 30′ latitude, set by the Missouri Compromise of 1850.

It was from these conventions in 1854 that the Republican Party finally emerged.

[1] Basler, Roy P., et al. (1954) "Fifth Debate with Stephen A. Douglas, at Galesburg, Illinois - October 7, 1858". Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. v.3: p.229.

'clever but strange' - How Abe used his stories

Abraham Lincoln Statue by Rick Harney (2006)
Livingston County Courthouse, Pontiac, IL

A large part of Abraham Lincoln’s humor was based on his self-awareness. 

He was freakishly tall and skinny-looking for his times - 6'4"' (or more). He was also very homely - a big nose, large ears, all topped with a mop of coarse, unruly hair. But rather than let those facts be "limiters", he used them. By making himself the butt of many of his jokes and stories, other people relaxed around him - became less self-conscious - listened more closely.

However, Abe was no buffoon. And the stories he sometimes selected were used as funny explanations about who he was. That reminds me of a story he loved to tell about a friendly Kentuckian with whom he once rode in a carriage. 

It seems that during the ride, the man offered Lincoln a chew of tobacco. Then a cigar. And finally a sip of brandy. Each offer was politely declined. As they were parting, the Kentuckian said good-humoredly: 'See here, stranger, you’re a clever but strange companion. I may never see you again, and I don’t want to offend you, but I want to say this: my experience has taught me that a man who has no vices has damned few virtues. Good-day.'

With that anecdote, Lincoln's audience learned that he didn't drink, smoke, or "chew". He poked fun at people's suspicions of those who didn't. But he never said HE was virtuous

He DID brag, however, about being "clever".

Interesting.

This was another tale from the archives of Abraham Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac

📚 Works Cited

[1] Gross, Anthony (1912). Lincoln's Own Stories. New York City, NY: Harper Brothers Publishers. p. 28.

What's in a name? A Lincoln circuit riding story

 

Lincoln the Lawyer by Lorado Taft. 

Abraham Lincoln maintained that the true "art" of storytelling was to fit the delivery to the audience. One part of that delivery - for which Lincoln was well known - was his ability to change the range, intonation, and pitch of his voice to fit the story.

While riding the Eighth Judicial Circuit, Lincoln often used that "art" to make complex points to a jury. Occasionally however, it came in handy for other reasons. A man named Stephenson, years later, remembered sitting in a courtroom in Bloomington, Illinois watching Lincoln on one of these 'occasions'. [1]

It seems Lincoln was defending a man who was accused of passing counterfeit money, and Lincoln's case was not going well.

Finally, the prosecutor called his chief witness to take the stand. When asked, the man stated his name - J. Parker Greene. When it was Lincoln's turn to cross-examine the witness, Lincoln ignored the entire testimony and immediately attacked the man's name.

Looking at the witness, Lincoln - according to Stephenson - drawled in a somewhat jesting - but suspicious way:

"Why J. Parker Greene? What does the J. stand for?"

"John," was the response.

Lincoln looked at the jury. 

Why didn't the witness call himself John P. Greene? That was his name, wasn't it? Well, what was the reason he didn't want to be known by his right name? Did J. Parker Greene have anything to conceal, and if not, why did J. Parker Greene part his name that way?

Stephenson recalled that although "the whole examination was farcical, there was something irresistibly funny in the varying tones and inflections of Lincoln's voice, as he questioned the changes in the man's name." 

But there was also something in Lincoln's way of intoning his questions that made the jury suspicious of the witness.

"To this day," Stephenson admitted, "I have never been able to rid my mind of the absurd impression that there was something not quite right about 'J. Parker Greene'."

This was another story from the archives of Abraham Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac 

📚 Works Cited

[*] The statue shown at the beginning of this post is Lincoln the Lawyer by Lorado Taft. 

[1] Guelzo, Allen C. (1999). Abraham Lincoln: Redeemer President. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans.