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 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.

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.

A Tale of Pigs: A Statue's Story about Compassion and Character in Lincoln’s Life

 

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. 

However, pigs and Taylorville seemed to be a theme for Lincoln, blending his knack for problem-solving with his endearing, down-to-earth nature. 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 behalf of Masterson. Lincoln lost. A jury (whose members probably had unpredictable children of their own) ruled that the boy’s father was not liable for the son’s negligence. [2]

Is the pig carrying a rolled up copy of Lincoln's "Writ"?
So much for obeying the law.

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]

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 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!

These are more stories from Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac

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.

His little brother Tommy – An Abe Lincoln Story

 

In 1933, while clearing an old cemetery site on a small hill in Larue County, Kentucky, one of the workers from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) came upon a small stone buried just beneath the surface. The stone had some markings on it. Upon closer examination, it was determined the markings were the letters T and L chiseled into the stone.

Since the cemetery was located on the old Redmon family farm near Hodgenville, Kentucky and adjacent to it was Knob Creek, the farm where the Lincoln family lived from 1811 to 1816, historians at time reasoned the stone and the grave were probably connected to the Lincolns.

From pieces of cabinetry he made for neighbors, they determined that the style of the letters on the stone were an exact match for the T.L. that Thomas Lincoln often carved into his work. The stone marked the forgotten grave of the youngest son of Thomas and Nancy Lincoln and the little brother of Sarah and Abraham – Thomas Lincoln, Jr. They called him Tommy. [2]

Very little is known or even remembered about him.

This is the Knob Creek cabin where the Lincoln family was living when Tommy was born. (Photo courtesy of the National Park Service)

The only time Lincoln ever mentioned his little brother – at least in writing – was this tidbit of personal information he included in an autobiographical sketch that he wrote for John L. Scripps, a newspaper reporter, whom Lincoln asked to write his 1860 presidential campaign biography.

The present subject has no brother or sister of the whole or half blood. He had a sister, older than himself, who was grown and married, but died many years ago, leaving no child. Also a brother, younger than himself, who died in infancy.

- AUTOBIOGRAPHY WRITTEN FOR JOHN L. SCRIPPS [C. JUNE, 1860]

Carl Sandburg briefly mentioned Tommy (and rather morbidly embellished his death) in his Prairie Years volume:

Again there were quiet and anxious days in 1812 when another baby was on the way; again came neighbor helpers and Nancy gave birth to her third child. They named him Thomas, but he died a few days after, and Sarah and Abe saw, in a coffin their father made, the little cold still face and made their first acquaintance with the look of death . . .

- SANDBURG, CARL (1960). THE PRAIRIE YEARS – VOLUME I. NEW YORK, NY: HARCOURT, BRACE & COMPANY. P. 30.

Except for how long he lived and the coffin details, Sandburg made no mention of what caused Tommy’s death or where they buried him. Other biographers did the same, and Tommy’s gravesite remained unknown until 1933.

In 1959, a new, more modern tombstone for Tommy was donated by Boy Scout Post 15 of Des Moines, Iowa. The original gravestone – shown in the post-leading photo – is privately owned, and the site of Tommy’s grave with its new headstone is still located where it was found, but the old Redmon farm is not part of the National Park Service.

Perhaps the grave was forgotten, but the boy wasn’t. Lincoln named his fourth son Thomas Lincoln (but nicknamed him “Tad”). Some biographers attribute Tad’s name to his paternal grandfather, Thomas Lincoln. However, given his tumultuous relationship with his father, Abraham Lincoln probably named his son for the little brother he never got to know – Thomas “Tommy” Lincoln, Jr.

Food for thought.

Mac

Works Cited

[1] Roy P. Basler, ed., The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln (8 vols., New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1953). http://quod.lib.umich.edu/l/lincoln/.

[2] Benningfield, Edward (1982). Larue County, Kentucky cemeteries. Utica, KY: McDowell Publications.

'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 Abe 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.

'Double or nothing' - Abe Lincoln settles a bet

 

Abraham Lincoln’s kindness, strength and feats of strength were the subject of many stories, especially in the tiny village of New Salem, Illinois.

This is one story that combines all three. 

When he lived in Sangamon County, Illinois, Lincoln helped a friend escape a gambling debt by offering the creditor double or nothing on a wager that he could lift a barrel of whiskey and pour some into his mouth from the bung hole on the side of the barrel . . . According to those who witnessed the feat, Lincoln squatted, grabbed the barrel by its chimes (the metal rims found at the top and bottom of a whiskey barrel) and hoisted it onto his knees. With the barrel resting on his knees, Lincoln then hoisted it above his head and tilted so that whiskey could pour out of the bung hole (located in the side of the barrel) and into his mouth. At which point – being a teetotaler – he spit it out and set the barrel down. [1]

The author then went on to explain:

An empty whiskey barrel weighs around 110 pounds. A full barrel contains 40 gallons. Assuming whiskey weighs about the same as water (8 pounds to the gallon), that means Lincoln lifted – and drank – from an awkward, wooden container that weighed from 110 pounds to as much as 430 pounds! [1]

No wonder Lincoln was such a good president. He put his strength to work for others - not for himself.

This was another tale from Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac

FYI: The sketch that headlines this post is "The Railsplitter" by Lloyd Ostendorf (1974) 

Works Cited

[1] Dekle, George R. Sr. “When Lincoln Took a Sip of Whiskey”. Abraham Lincoln’s Almanac Trial – September 16, 2013.

On the Journey to Illinois: The Story of Young Abe and the Dog

 

In the 19th Century, unlike today, the nature of the human-dog relationship was not a close one. Dogs - especially in rural areas or on the frontier - were chosen and tolerated for their usefulness to the family, mainly as hunters, guards, or even for transportation and hauling.

But as "pets" or "companions" - only the very rich bothered to indulge.

In his biography of Abraham Lincoln, William H. Herndon, Lincoln's law partner, told this story about a dog and Abe during the Lincoln family's move to Illinois from southern Indiana in March 1830, when Lincoln was twenty-one years old. 

Mr. Lincoln once described this journey to me. He said the ground had not yet yielded up the frosts of winter; that during the day the roads would thaw out on the surface and at night freeze over again, thus making travelling, especially with oxen., painfully slow and tiresome. There were, of course, no bridges, and the party were consequently driven to ford the streams, unless by a circuitous route they could avoid them. In the early part of the day the [streams] were also frozen slightly, and the oxen would break through a square yard of thin ice at every step. 

Among other things which the party brought with them was a dog, which trotted along after the wagon. One day the little fellow fell behind and failed to catch up till after they had crossed the stream. Missing him they looked back, and there, on the opposite bank, he stood, whining and jumping about in great distress. The water was running over the broken edges of the ice, and the poor animal was afraid to cross. It would not pay to turn the oxen and wagon back and ford the stream again in order to recover a dog, and so the majority, in their anxiety to move forward, decided to go on without him. 

"But I could not endure the idea of abandoning even a dog," related Lincoln. "Pulling off shoes and socks I waded across the stream and triumphantly returned with the shivering animal under my arm. His frantic leaps of joy and other evidences of a dog's gratitude amply repaid me for all the exposure I had undergone."

Abraham Lincoln's stubborn attitude and behavior about all living things stood out in relief against the callousness of life on the American frontier. They also demonstrated his willingness to take the unpopular path against the opinions around him - if he felt that it was right.

This is another anecdote from Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac 

FYI: The painting used as the featured imager for this post is titled: "Lincoln Moves to Illinois - 1830". It was copyrighted and printed in 1939 by R.L. Parkinson, Chicago from a painting by Louis Bonhajo (1885-1970).

Works Cited

Herndon, William H. and Weik, Jesse W. (1921). Herndon's Lincoln: The True Story of a Great Life. (2 vols., Springfield, IL: The Herndon's Lincoln Publishing Company). Vol. 1: p.68.

'As big a hog as I ever wanna see' - An Abe Lincoln yarn

The village of New Salem was situated along the banks of the Sangamon River in the central part of Illinois. In the early 1830s, New Salem had a population of about a hundred people in a community of twenty log cabins. Despite its tiny size, the town had a blacksmith shop and a general store. 

One cold winter day, a group of Abraham Lincoln's friends and acquaintances were huddled around the fireplace in the general store where he clerked for the owner, Denton Offutt. The talk drifted to the topic of human faults and the subject of greed was raised.

"That reminds me of a story," Lincoln said.

A man in Cortlandt county raised a pig of such unusual size that strangers went out of their way to see it. One of them met the old gentleman who owned the porker and asked about the animal.

"Waal, yes," the old boy said; "I've got such a critter - mi'ty big un he is too, but I guess I'll have to charge you a half dime for lookin at him."

The surprised stranger stared at the old man for a minute, pulled out the desired coin, handed it to him, and turned to leave. "Hold on," said the old man, "don't you want to see the hog?"

"No," said the stranger. "I've already seen as big a hog as I ever wanna see!" 

While Lincoln never sold much, his yarns and tales always drew a crowd. Who knew this failed merchant was actually practicing to be a president.

This was another story from Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac 

 

How an old man, a barrel and a kindness shaped Abe Lincoln’s destiny

 

Lincoln Store at New Salem, IL

Abraham Lincoln often credited Blackstone’s Commentaries – the four-volume series on English common law by Sir William Blackstone – for kindling his desire to become a lawyer, and from there the rest of his life unfolded as we know it.

But it’s the story behind the way this struggling country store owner in a tiny village of just twenty log cabins on the Illinois prairie came into this influential work that makes one realize how small decisions can shape a destiny.

This story of greatness involved an old man, a barrel, and a kindness.

Lincoln (as only Lincoln can) told the story like this:

One day a man who was migrating to the West drove up in front of my store with a wagon which contained his family and household plunder. He asked me if I would buy an old barrel for which he had no room in his wagon, and which he said contained nothing of special value. I did not want it, but to oblige him I bought it, and paid him, I think, half a dollar for it. Without further examination I put it away in the store and forgot all about it.

Some time after, in overhauling things, I came upon the barrel, and emptying it upon the floor to see what it contained, I found at the bottom of the rubbish a complete edition of Blackstone’s Commentaries.”

I began to read . . . and I had plenty of time; for during the long summer days, when the farmers were busy with their crops, my customers were few and far between. The more I read, the more intensely interested I became. Never in my whole life was my mind so thoroughly absorbed. I read until I devoured them. (Ketcham, 1901)

Lincoln later remarked that this was “the best stroke of business I ever did in the grocery line.”

Indeed it was – or maybe it was just his act of kindness to an old man that allowed Abraham Lincoln to have the opportunity that changed his life and shaped his destiny.

And by default, shaped ours.

This was another tale from Abe Lincoln, storyteller.

Mac

Works Cited

[1] Ketcham, Henry (1901). The Life of Abraham Lincoln. New York, NY: The Perkins Book Company. pp.66-67.

'The Lizard' An Abe Lincoln Story

As it happens, Abraham Lincoln had lived in New Salem, Illinois only a few months, when he was  asked to be clerk of the local election board for an election. On election day, when voters were coming in slowly, Lincoln began to entertain the crowd at the polls with some stories.

Lincoln called this one, "The lizard story".

"The meeting house was in the woods and quite a distance from any other house. It was only used once a month. The preacher - an old line Baptist - was dressed in course linen pantaloons [pants], and shirt of the same material. The pants, manufactured after the old fashion, with baggy legs and a flap in front, were made to attach to his frame without the aid of suspenders. A single button held his shirt in place, and that was at the collar.

He rose up in the pulpit and with a loud voice announced his text thus: 'I am the Christ whom I shall represent today.' About this time a little blue lizard ran up under his baggy pantaloons. The old preacher, not wanting to interrupt the steady flow of his sermon, slapped away on his legs, expecting to stop the intruder; but his efforts were unavailing, and the little fellow kept on climbing higher and higher.

Continuing with his sermon, the preacher slyly unbuttoned the central button which graced the waistband of his pantaloons, and with a kick, off came that loose-fitting garment. But meanwhile, Mr. Lizard had past the equatorial line of the waistband and was calmly exploring that part of the preacher's anatomy which lay underneath the back of his shirt.

Things were now growing interesting, but the sermon was still grinding on. The next movement on the preacher's part was for the collar button, and with one sweep of his arm - off came the tow linen shirt!

The congregation sat for an instant as if dazed. At length, one old lady in the rear of the room rose up and started for the door. Glancing back once more at the odd happenings behind the pulpit, she shouted at the top of her voice: 

'If you represent Christ, then I'm done with the Bible!'

One of the people in the crowd at the polls that day enjoying Lincoln's stories was J.R. Herndon, the cousin of Abraham Lincoln's future law partner and biographer, William Herndon. In J.R.'s opinion, it was Lincoln's gift of storytelling - not his wrestling or feats of strength - that earned his acceptance by the tiny, frontier community of New Salem, Illinois in 1831. 

This was another tale from Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac

Work Cited

Herndon, William H. and Weik, Jesse W. (1949) Herndon's Life of Lincoln: With introduction and notes by Paul M. Angle. New York City, NY: The World Publishing Company. pp. 67-68.