Near Hodgenville in Larue County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
My earliest recollection. . .is of the Knob Creek place
Abraham Lincoln, 1860
| | Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park | |
Photographed by Courtesy:: Ginger L. Drenning, September 5, 2012
1. Abraham Lincoln's memory of Knob Creek Farm Marker
Abraham Lincolns family moved here from his birthplace at Sinking Spring Farm in 1811, when the future president was just two years old. Lincolns earliest memories were of life along Knob Creek, and his experiences in this valley shaped the man who would guide the nation through the bloodiest conflict on American soil the Civil War.
Here you can explore the land that Lincoln trod as a boy, see the fields he once helped plant, and stroll by the creek that provided vital water for his family and their farm. See a period cabin, like the one the Lincolns lived in, and a garden of crops corn, tobacco, and pumpkins similar to those planted by Thomas and Nancy Lincoln and still grown by farmers in this region today.
You can also hike the Overlook Trail to sample the natural beauty and rich resources of the Kentucky Knobs region, which lured Native Americans, early pioneers, and frontier settlers like the Lincolns.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.
Location. 37° 36.672′ N, 85°
this page online
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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Slavery in the Valley (here, next to this marker); The Lincoln Tavern (a few steps from this marker); The Lincolns at Knob Creek (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Lincoln Knob Creek Farm (within shouting distance of this marker); Living Off the Land (within shouting distance of this marker); Down by Knob Creek (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Abraham Lincoln's First School (approx. 2.1 miles away); Lincoln's Playmate (approx. 2.1 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 Site (National Park Service). (Submitted on October 11, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
2. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park on Wikipedia
Photographed by Courtesy:: Ginger L. Drenning, September 5, 2012
2. Marker Text
Photographed by Courtesy:: Ginger L. Drenning, September 5, 2012
3. Chart of Knob Creek Farm
Photographed by Courtesy:: Ginger L. Drenning, September 5, 2012
4. Insert - Lincoln in Kentucky
— Lincoln in Kentucky
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park has two units. This is the Knob Creek: Lincoln Boyhood Home unit. The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace unit is located about 20 minutes south of here on US Highway 31-E.
Photographed by Courtesy:: Ginger L. Drenning, September 5, 2012
5. Insert - Knob Creek -
— Overlook Trail
This hike offers a spectacular view of the Knob Creek Valley, dotted with its coneshaped limestone hills.
Time: 2 to 3 hours
Distance: 3 miles, roundtrip
Difficulty: strenuous, steep
Take plenty of drinking water and be
alert for snakes and ticks.
Time: 2 to 3 hours
Distance: 3 miles, roundtrip
Difficulty: strenuous, steep
Take plenty of drinking water and be
alert for snakes and ticks.
Photographed by Courtesy:: Ginger L. Drenning, September 5, 2012
6. The - Replica Cabin
Photographed by Courtesy:: Ginger L. Drenning, September 5, 2012
7. Behind the Buildings - -
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 29, 2025
8. Abraham Lincoln's memory of Knob Creek Farm Marker
Marker is on the left side of the Visitors Center
Credits. This page was last revised on October 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2012, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 871 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 5, 2012, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 8. submitted on October 11, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
