Sinking Spring - Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site - KY - Natural Springs on Waymarking.com

The Thomas Lincoln family obtained its water supply from this spring; the infant child, Abraham, had his earliest drinks of water from this source. Then Thomas Lincoln moved here in 1808, the 300-acre farm already was variously known as 'Sinking Spring', 'Rock Spring', or 'Cave Spring' Farm, taking its name from this spring of water.
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Sinking Spring, located just below the hill on which Abraham Lincoln was born, was clearly identified in early land records. This water source was variably known as Sinking Spring, Rock Spring and Cave Spring. However, early records generally refer to the landmark as Sinking Spring because the water dropped into a pit and disappeared into the earth. Thus, originated the name of the farm.
As a perennial source of water, the spring was probably a deciding factor in selecting the location for the cabin site. The Lincolns depended on this spring for their daily water supply and travelers often paused during their journey to partake of the refreshingly cool water. Abraham Lincoln probably tasted his first drink of water from this spring. The appearance of the spring has changed considerably since the Lincoln era. The area was modified during early years of park development. However, the natural rock formations along the back wall have been changed only by nature and continue to instill impressions of a homesteader's life.

Typical of Kentucky's karst topography and hydrologic systems, the spring is a significant natural resource. Its water drains through the subsurface and empties into a branch of the Nolin River a short distance from the park. Sinking Spring is a part of a network of springs and subsurface streams in and near the park. Because the spring's cave supports a variety of fragile cave biota, it is particularly sensitive to pollutants and encroachment. The National Park Service monitors those threats, which effect the cave and its environment.

To help preserve the resource, please do not throw coins or other objects into the spring.
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Public or Private Land?: Public Public Land Fees?: no Private Land access?: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Please post an original picture of the springs no GPS necessary along with your observations of the spring. What wildlife you saw if any and the condition of the springs. Water level was high, low. The area was clean, trashy ect. Any other knowledge or experiences you have had with this paticular spring that would help document it's history.

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Date Logged Log User Rating   03/29/2024 ggmorton visited it 05/08/2022 Don.Morfe visited it 03/08/2022 Benchmark Blasterz visited it 01/21/2021 bobfrapples8 visited it 07/22/2018 Sneakin Deacon visited it 05/16/2016 Place UR Betz visited it 06/10/2015 tnphotobug visited it 02/26/2014 tyro-n-www visited it 12/20/2012 wildernessmama visited it 04/02/2012 Stieb visited it 03/27/2011 cldisme visited it 09/19/2010 TheDeadlySins visited it 08/15/2010 mr.volkswagen visited it 08/15/2010 jammarie visited it 08/05/2010 kevindale68 wrote comment for it 08/02/2010 kevindale68 visited it 05/24/2009 JacobBarlow visited it 04/19/2006 ChapterhouseInc visited it

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