The Lincoln Museum - Hodgenville, Kentucky - Birthplace of Abraham Lincoln
Since 1909, a bronze presidential statue of Abraham Lincoln has been a welcoming point for millions of visitors from around the world.
Designed by A.A. Weinman, the 6-foot sculpture sits atop a marble pedestal in the center of historic, downtown Hodgenville — in front of The Lincoln Museum. (View map here)
The statue was commissioned to commemorate the 100th celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday with funds raised by residents of LaRue County in conjunction with Congressional and state support.
The statue was officially dedicated on May 31, 1909. Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln, attended the ceremony, and Lincoln’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Ben Hardin Helm, unveiled the statue. More than 10,000 people witnessed the ceremony.
To commemorate the bicentennial (200th anniversary) of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, a nationwide contest was conducted, with 77 artists from around the country submitting proposals.
He is depicted as a boy, shortly before his 8th birthday, on the family farm, reading from Webster’s Elementary Spelling-Book, with his dog Honey, whose broken leg he splinted.
The book is open to a Noah Webster fable of two dogs. Corn for the family dinner is in the linen satchel, and his stick-fishing pole is leaning against the tree trunk.
This winning design was created by the California firm of Daub-Firmin-Hendrickson. The statue of "Boy Lincoln" faces the 1909 Presidential Statue on the town square.
The museum has developed a downtown walking tour highlighting the historic downtown commercial district that has been part of the National Register of Historic Places since 1988. The tour is free to download and should take about an hour to complete.
Download a printer-friendly PDF
of the downtown walking tour
Download a mobile-friendly PDF
of the downtown walking tour
Another online tour available is a scavenger hunt of historic downtown places which will guide you through a series of questions highlighting unique architectural features.
Download a printer-friendly PDF
of the downtown scavenger hunt
Download a mobile-friendly PDF
of the downtown scavenger hunt
Learn about the historical markers located in LaRue County. For more information about Kentucky's historical marker program, explore the state's online database.
Kentucky's Lincoln Heritage TrailLearn more about Abraham Lincoln's Kentucky Heritage and History as you explore the Commonwealth.
We have two national park sites in our community for you to experience. Learn more.