WE LOVE AMERICA - INDIANA

Our gentle drive into Indiana rewarded us with a changing landscape as farmland metamorphed into terrain that is more hilly and much more wooded. Indeed, we began to enter thick deciduous forests, green and inviting. The undergrowth was not excessive and you could see deep into the rich woods and ramrod straight trees. We left the freeway to visit the National Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Monument. It was in this location where he grew up, living here for 14 years. We learned more about Lincoln and watched a film depicting his family history, activities and the events that shaped his growth into manhood. Lincoln's father moved his family here from Kentucky when young Lincoln was about age 7, and this is where his beloved mother died and is buried. When he was 9, she died of "milk sickness" or "the trembles", a poisoning from eating the meat of an animal that had fed on the white snakeroot plant. Abraham and his father were devastated, but Mr. Lincoln returned to Kentucky and was remarried to a widow, who marvelously filled the empty places in the hearts of both Lincoln's. Both mothers were very influential in his life and Lincoln gave them the credit for all that he became in life. At a young age he became very proficient with an ax and learned to work hard, splitting rails, chopping trees and farming. Tutored by both mothers he also learned to read and developed a love for books and knowledge. However, his favorite activities were telling stories, jokes and speaking. His sense of humor was renowned and served him well in later years.



This is a view of the Memorial taken from near where Nancy Hanks Lincoln lies buried.



This path led through the woods, past oak and walnut trees and patches of white snakeroot (seen on each side) to a farm replicating those of the early 1800's.


The pumpkins on the fence posts make a nice seasonal Halloween touch! If only faces had been carved into them. This small cabin is representative of those built during the time Lincoln lived here.

We loved the rich greens of the forest, the tall, straight trees and the solid human timber created by this challenging life in the Indiana woods. Our nation has been blessed by the greatness of men touched by nature and the hand of God.