Rockport in Spencer County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Abraham Lincoln

— First Flatboat Trip —

Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, September 18, 2011

1. Abraham Lincoln Marker

Inscription. Marking Old Lower Landing where in 1828 – age 19 – Abraham Lincoln with Allen Gentry made his first flatboat trip to New Orleans. He saw slaves sold and said. “If I ever get a chance to hit that thing, I’ll hit it hard”.

In a very real sense of the word it might be said that the Emancipation Proclamation which Lincoln issued in 1863 owes it’s origin to this flatboat trip.

Erected 1939 by Spencer County Historical Society and the Rockport City Park Board.

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 1828.

Location. 37° 52.729′ N, 87° 2.657′ W. Marker is in Rockport, Indiana, in Spencer County. Marker is at the intersection of South 1st Street and Clark Street, on the left when traveling south on South 1st Street. Located in "Rocky Side Park" which is entered from Main Street and South 2nd Street. "Rocky Side Park" follows the Ohio River and the very rocky high bluffs. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rockport IN 47635, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Rocky Beginning (here, next to this marker); Mathias Sharp House

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(about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historical Site – Lankford Cave (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jan. 29, 1937 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Spencer County, IN (approx. 0.3 miles away); A Visit Home (approx. 0.3 miles away); Site of Rockport Tavern (approx. 0.3 miles away); Abraham Lincoln was a Guest in 1844 (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rockport.

Also see . . . "Building a Flatboat" ::. Courtesy - "Readings in Indiana History" (Pp. 231-241) offers a number of adventures including "Flatboating Days", "Indiana Flatboats at New Orleans", "A Ferry-Boat Ad", and the "Steamboat Trip on the Wabash". (A good read to learn how to build a flatboat..) (Submitted on September 20, 2012, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)

Wide View - - Abraham Lincoln Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, September 18, 2011

2. Wide View - - Abraham Lincoln Marker

This is the "Old Lower Landing" area from which Abraham Lincoln and Allen Gentry began the "Flatboat Trip of 1828."

End View - - Abraham Lincoln Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, September 18, 2011

3. End View - - Abraham Lincoln Marker

Entrance - - "Rocky Side Park" (from Main Street) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, September 18, 2011

4. Entrance - - "Rocky Side Park" (from Main Street)

Some - - "Rocky Side Park" image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, September 18, 2011

5. Some - - "Rocky Side Park"

More - - "Rocky Side Park" image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, September 18, 2011

6. More - - "Rocky Side Park"

"Rocky Side Park" image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, September 18, 2011

7. "Rocky Side Park"

Obverse Side - - Abraham Lincoln Marker - - (Other Plaques) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, September 18, 2011

8. Obverse Side - - Abraham Lincoln Marker - - (Other Plaques)

Jaycee Plaque - text reads:

“1959 Jaycees Lincoln Flatboat Trip

Flatboat Crew::

Frank Swallow, Jr. • Bob Richards • Glenn Stateler • Alfred Branch • Sidney Lindsey • Louis Parsley, Jr. • Louis Skelton, Jr. • Eugene Erwin • Pat Winchell

Bob Grose • Earl Lauer • Bing Kimmell • Duane Walter • Joe Rininger • Mack Howell • Gene Hidgon • Jerry Hamilton”

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

(Other Plaque)
“1997 Flood
High Water Mark”

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2011, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 969 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on September 19, 2011, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.