Springfield Tour

[Gene C]

It's in the 90's across much of the country this week, so try this to cool off.....

imagine you find yourself walking down a small dirt road in the country. It's early October, to early for the leaves to change color, but there is a slight breeze with the temperature in the middle 60's. The air is fresh and clear, and you can tell fall will soon be here. You notice in the distance a few scattered buildings, small frame log structures. There are a few homes, two stores, a mill, and a few others buildings in this little village. You can hear the chickens, smell the hogs, see a pasture with two cows, and a young man comes out of one of the buildings with a friendly "hello".

He invites you inside what is a small general store. He's a friendly fellow, and a bit of a talker. There is something about him you can't quite identify, the country way of talking, his infectious grin, but you instantly like him. He's quite proud of this little community and the people who live here. After a few minutes of conversation he has you almost convinced you should live here too.

Come join us this September 30-October 1 and visit this little community of New Salem and find out what made it so special to Abraham Lincoln. Learn about the men and women who influenced his character. Some were farmers, teachers, housewives, doctors, businessmen, and a drunk or two. By today's standards, most were poor, struggling to make ends meet. But they worked side by side in this tiny community, helping each other, caring for each other, sharing good times, laughing together, and sometimes grieving together. Here in this tiny village, this handful of people influenced and further shaped the character of one of our great American heroes. Who are these people and what did they do? Travel back in time with us as we explore Lincoln's New Salem and find out.