Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th president of the United States in November 1860. But before he became one of our nation’s greatest leaders, he was a man who led a life much like his contemporaries. What grew him into the extraordinary man he became? To find those answers, you must travel back to Lincoln’s roots in Kentucky, where he was born and later forged lifelong relationships, Indiana where he spent his childhood and became a man, and Illinois where he matured and became a lawyer and politician. These are the places where Lincoln’s moral character and sensibilities were formed, and where he began his journey to the presidency. 

This website provides introductory information about the sites and communities that were integral parts of Abraham Lincoln’s life and his experiences, and leads you to resources for additional details and information for trip planning.