Abraham Lincoln lived in New Salem, IL from age 22 to 28. In that time, he embarked on his political career, studied to be a lawyer, and made personal and professional connections that lasted the rest of his life. Oddly enough, the village barely lasted longer than Lincoln's years there. It was incorporated a couple of years before he arrived. Within four years after he moved away, only a couple of families remained. By the time of Lincoln's death, almost all evidence of the settlement had faded away.
During the Great Depression, one of the CCC projects was to rebuild the village, allowing visitors to see this place that Lincoln called home. Now a state park, visitor's can visit several buildings constructed on the original foundations. Before they walk into the village, though, they are encouraged to stop at the visitor's center, which has a museum exhibit and the obligatory introductory film.
Unlike other historic sites, though, this film is very good. I was pleasantly surprised the first time I saw it, and I have enjoyed it on subsequent visits. This week, I discovered that it's available online. Entitled "Turning Point," the 16-minute film is well worth watching. And it will give you a good background for this Sunday's sermon.
1 comment:
Josh, Josh, Josh. I finally took time away from The Olympics and TCM's 31 days of Oscar to listen to The Lincoln Sermon. It was wonderful! So obviously a labor of love. Thank you.
Erika.
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