Lincoln Presidential Statue
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.
The Boy Lincoln
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.
Local Historical Destinations
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park
2995 Lincoln Farm Rd.
Hodgenville, KY 42748
(270) 358-3137
Monday-Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm
The Lincoln Museum
66 Lincoln Square
Hodgenville, KY 42748
(270) 358-3163
Monday-Saturday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday: 12:30 am – 4:30 pm
LaRue County Genealogy Society
200 S. Lincoln Blvd.
Hodgenville, KY 42748
(270) 358-3832
Downtown Walking Tour
The Lincoln 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.
Downtown Scavenger Hunt
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.
Lincoln Heritage Trail
The Kentucky Lincoln Heritage Trail consists of museums and historic sites that interpret the key people, places, and events that tell Kentucky’s Lincoln story. More than the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, Kentucky was home to his parents, wife, best friend, and political idol. Although he left the Bluegrass State as a boy, Lincoln’s relationships with Kentuckians played a critical role in forging his personal and professional life.
