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This lesson about Abraham Lincoln in Indiana is based on the National Register of Historic Places registration file, "Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial" and materials from Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. It was written by Mike Capps, Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. The lesson plan was edited by the Teaching with Historic Places staff. This lesson is one in a series that brings the important stories of historic places into classrooms across the country.

Where it fits into the curriculum
Topics: This lesson could be used in American history, social studies, and geography courses in units on early 19th century frontier life, history of the presidency, or an introduction to Abraham Lincoln's life and presidency.
Time period: 1816-1830
Relevant United States History Standards for Grades 5-12
Relevant Curriculum Standards for Social Studies

Objectives for students
1) To identify several events and people from Abraham Lincoln's youth that influenced the development of his character and personality.
2) To understand the daily life of a pioneer in the 1820s and identify specific skills that the Lincoln family needed to survive on the frontier.
3) To determine how Lincoln's youthful frontier experience influenced his beliefs, actions, and attitudes as President of the United States.
4) To research a historic site in their community associated with an important historical figure.

Materials for students
The materials listed below either can be used directly on the computer or can be printed out, photocopied, and distributed to students. The maps and images appear twice: in a smaller, low-resolution version with associated questions and alone in a larger version.
1) three maps of the Lincoln family migration route, Indiana, and the Little Pigeon Creek Community;
2) four readings about Lincoln's boyhood, life on the frontier, and his character as president;
3) two illustrations of Lincoln's sum book pages;
4. five images of the Nancy Hanks Lincoln's gravesite and Lincoln cabin memorial, a reconstructed cabin, and living history at the farm;
5. one painting of Lincoln's mother.

Visiting the site
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, administered by the National Park Service, is open daily year round except New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The park is located on Indiana Highway 162, 8 miles south of Interstate 64. Exit the Interstate at US 231 (exit 57) and travel south on U.S. 231 to Gentryville, then east on Indiana Highway 162, following the signs to "Lincoln Parks." For more information, write to the Superintendent, Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, P.O. Box 1816, Lincoln City, IN 47552, or visit the park's website.