This week, both the weather and the leaves were simply too gorgeous for Pete and I to even consider staying inside. So we hopped in our car and drove up to New Salem, where we could drink in some history along with the beautiful fall colors.
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, one of several popular Lincoln sites in central Illinois, is a reconstruction of the 1830s pioneer village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood.
A statue of Lincoln as surveyor greets us just before we enter the village. Below is the path leading into the village, where we prepare to be taken back 200 years.
Along the path are a total of 23 cabins, shops and other buildings.
Most of the buildings contain period artifacts, many of which were gathered from descendants of New Salem residents. Lincoln’s surveyor’s tools are on display as well.
Visitors can walk at their leisure on self-guided tours through the grounds to view the buildings. Little plaques on the doors leading into each of the buildings explain their significance.
Costumed interpreters are also present in some of the buildings during the height of the tourist season, but this week, we pretty much had the place to ourselves.
A covered wagon sits along the side of the road. Wooden fences like the one below can be seen in several places in the village.
My favorite handsome gentleman posed for a photo as we got ready to leave.
Even the parking lot was pretty, as was the scene that greeted us when we turned onto the highway and got back to the 21st century.
Seriously Seeking Answers 
Exquisite leaves. Sounds like a really fun day. Love seeing that you both are healthy enough to enjoy 🙂
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We were determined to enjoy what was probably the last 70 degree day this year!
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I enjoy going through historical sites and the beautiful fall colors are great. Here in So. IL colors have been good this year—first year in several years.
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They’ve been great here in central Illinois too.
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I know you had a great time! Love the pics and the Fall foliage! 🙂
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Thanks!
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You’re welcome.
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Beautiful! What a great way to spend the day!!
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It definitely was.
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Pingback: God’s other book: Fall colors and a bit of history — Seriously Seeking Answers – QuietMomentsWithGod
Inspiring.
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Thanks!
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Whew….I love places like this…wonderful photos!
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Thanks!
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Beautiful pictures! I’ve been to New Salem a couple of times – once on a school field trip, and later with this cute boy I
had just started dating. (We’ve been married 48 years now.😏💕) Do you live in Illinois?
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Yes, I live in Springfield, about 20 miles from New Salem. So it’s just down the road from us.
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I enjoyed seeing this with the beautiful fall colors. Magnificent!
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Thanks!
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nice pics
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Thanks!
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Lovely pix (with one possible exception). New Salem is just a magical place! No other word for it.
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You’re talking about the photo of the handsome gentleman? Aww.
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Sounds like a fun day.
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And possibly the last 70 degree day of the year …
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