Day 8 was the day we began our long journey home.
We had a late beginning because of our schedule that day. We had originally planned to make this stop towards the beginning of our trip on the way out but after switching things around we had to do it on our way back. We also had to wait for this to open and with a time change – things were late. Our first and only stop was to the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Indiana.
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
Our trip involved a lot of learning about Abraham Lincoln. It was really impactful and I hope the kids felt a respect and love for dear Mr. Lincoln. This home in Indiana is where Abraham and his family moved to in 1816 when he was seven years old and left Kentucky.
This time in Indiana is where Abraham grew into a man. It is written, “his sense of honesty, pursuit of education and learning, respect for hard work, compassion, and notions of right and wrong were born of this place and time.”
Everything was good for the Lincoln family, until the fall of 1818, when Abraham’s mother, Nancy, went to help some neighbors who were ill and she became sick with milk sickness and died. Being “milksick” happened when cattle grazed on white snakeroot (a poisonous plant) and then humans consumed the milk products or meat from those animals.
I would say this monument was almost just as much about Abraham as it was his mother. Her impact on her son was great and he loved her dearly. One of my favorite quotes from him was: “All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. God bless her.”
Within a year, Abraham’s father married Sarah Bush Johnston, who was a widow and she brought her three children into the home. Sarah was kind to Abraham and encouraged him. These were years not to be forgotten by Abraham Lincoln.
Lydia was so tired this day. Mark and I took turns exploring with “the bigs” and staying with her. Bless her heart, we are so grateful for her patience with us. But today, even though it was a relatively “easy” day, we definitely pushed her too far.
Pioneer Cemetery
We walked up to the Pioneer Cemetery where Nancy Hanks Lincoln is buried. They do not know where she was buried exactly, but a memorial grave marker is there for her as well as others in the community at the time who passed.
Cabin Site Memorial
Mark and the bigs went up to the cabin site memorial and got to see what the cabin would have looked like.
Travel
The rest of the day was spent on the road. We had a long travel day and went across Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and into Kansas. We did not roll into Topeka until 8:00 that night and we were all pooped. Definitely ready to get home!
