Near Hodgenville in Larue County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Sinking Spring

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Site

Photographed By Duane Hall, November 26, 2011

1. Sinking Spring Marker

Inscription. Abraham Lincoln probably took his first drink of water from this spring. A dependable water source undoubtedly was an important factor in Thomas Lincoln’s decision to purchase Sinking Spring Farm.

The Sinking Spring is an example of a karst window, an unusual landform. A karst window is a special type of sinkhole that gives us a view into the karst aquifer.

(Graphic Caption)
Typical of Kentucky’s karst topography and hydrologic systems, the spring is a significant natural resource. Its water drains through the subsurface and empties into a branch of the Nolin River a short distance from the park. Sinking Spring is a part of the network of springs and subsurface streams in and near the park.

(Background Photo Caption)
Sinking Spring was also known as Cave Spring and Rocky Spring. Travelers often paused at the spring to drink the refreshingly cool water.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Environment. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list.

Location. 37° 31.838′ N, 85° 44.236′ W. Marker is near

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Hodgenville, Kentucky, in Larue County. Marker can be reached from Lincoln Farm Road (U.S. 31E) 1½ miles south of Lincoln Parkway. Marker is located in the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park; directions are to the park entrance. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hodgenville KY 42748, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Memorial Building (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Sinking Spring (a few steps from this marker); The Boundary Oak (within shouting distance of this marker); An Enduring Symbol (within shouting distance of this marker); An Idyllic Frontier Scene (within shouting distance of this marker); Nancy Lincoln Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Lincoln Birthplace (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Grave of Frontiersman / South Fork Baptist Church (approx. 1.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hodgenville.

Also see . . . Abraham Lincoln Birthplace. Official National Park Service website. (Submitted on February 8, 2014.)

Diagram of Sinking Spring Geology image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, November 26, 2011

2. Diagram of Sinking Spring Geology

Close-up of graphic on marker

Sinking Spring near the first Lincoln Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, November 26, 2011

3. Sinking Spring near the first Lincoln Memorial

Sinking Spring is located left of the lower landing of the stairs leading to the memorial

Sinking Spring near the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, November 26, 2011

4. Sinking Spring near the Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 759 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 8, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.

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