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
Abraham Lincoln probably took his first drink of water from this spring. A dependable water source undoubtedly was an important factor in Thomas Lincolns 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.
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Typical of Kentuckys 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.
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,
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: The Memorial Building (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Sinking Spring (a few steps from 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
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 29, 2025
2. Sinking Spring Marker
Marker is near the entrance to the stairway to the spring
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Boundary Oak (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . Abraham Lincoln Birthplace. Official National Park Service website. (Submitted on February 8, 2014.)
Photographed by Duane Hall, November 26, 2011
3. Sinking Spring near the first Lincoln Memorial
Photographed by Duane Hall, November 26, 2011
4. Diagram of Sinking Spring Geology
Photographed by Duane Hall, November 26, 2011
5. Sinking Spring near the Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,259 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 8, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 2. submitted on October 3, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 8, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
