Near Hodgenville in Larue County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Down by Knob Creek
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
Inscription.
For the Lincolns, the Knob Creek Valley - named for the steep narrow passages out between looming hills of limestone, called knobs - was a big change from the open fields at Sinking Spring Farm. Abraham and his sister Sarah walked two miles through this rough landscape to an "ABC" school in present day Athertonville. They also helped with chores, such as planting seed and fetching water from Knob Creek. This creek was the family's main source of drinking water. It ensured their survival, as well as the growth of crops and the health of livestock. But it posed damages as well. After heavy rains, water poured down the hills and gorges nearby, causing the creek to flood its banks and ruing spring planting.
(photo captions:)
>br> ·Austin Gollaher, a childhood neighbor of Abraham Lincoln, told a story (which is now local lore) about saving the future president from drowning in Knob Creek. The young boys were jumping rocks when Abraham was swept into the rushing water. Gollaher held a branch out to his friend and pulled him to safety.
·Knob Creek flooding its banks. The Knob Creek Valley has provided a diverse habitat for flora, fauna, and man since prehistoric times.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list.
Location. 37° 36.723′ N, 85° 38.267′ W. Marker is unreadable. Marker is near Hodgenville, Kentucky, in Larue County. It can be reached from Bardstown Road (U.S. 31E). Marker is located at the start of a hiking trail at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7120 Bardstown Rd, New Haven KY 40051, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this location, measured
as the crow flies: The Lincolns at Knob Creek (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Lincoln Knob Creek Farm (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Living Off the Land (about 300 feet away); The Lincoln Tavern (about 300 feet away); My earliest recollection. . .is of the Knob Creek place (about 300 feet away); Slavery in the Valley (about 300 feet away); Abraham Lincoln's First School (approx. 2 miles away); Lincoln's Playmate (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hodgenville.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Lincoln Knob Creek Farm (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . .
1. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park (National Park Service). (Submitted on October 11, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
2. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park on Wikipedia. (Submitted on October 11, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 89 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 11, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.

