George Washington's home at Mount Vernon.
The Presidents Day holiday in the United States popularly celebrates the lives of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, whose birthdays fall on February 12 and 22. In fact, Monday's holiday is officially meant to celebrate just Washington’s birthday, but in reality most people use the occasion to honor Lincoln, as well.
The first and 16th presidents are two of the most consequential leaders in American history, so Presidents Day is an excellent opportunity to visit some of the historic sites that are associated with the lives of these men. Here are seven such destinations:
Mount Vernon: The home of George Washington (Virginia) - The first President of the United States is most associated with his longtime home at Mount Vernon, just south of Washington, D.C. He and his wife, Martha, lived there for four decades until his death in 1799. Today, the property on the banks of the Potomac River looks as it did in Washington's time. You can tour his home, visit Washington’s tomb, and learn about his life in an on-site museum and education center.
George Washington Birthplace National Monument (Virginia)– About two hours south of Mount Vernon you can visit the region that shaped Washington’s early life. The George Washington Birthplace National Monument commemorates the site of his birth and maintains a replica of his first home.
Ferry Farm: Washington’s boyhood home (Virginia)– The city of Fredericksburg, Virginia, is home to Washington’s boyhood home at Ferry Farm. His family moved there when he was six-years-old and he lived at this location for 16 years. If you believe in the legends that surround Washington, then this is where he would have chopped down a cherry tree and threw a silver dollar across a river.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site (Illinois)– In Springfield, Illinois, this was Lincoln’s home for 17 years, until he became president in 1861. At the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, you can tour the 12-room home where the future president lived with his family and tour the surrounding four-block neighborhood, which has 12 historic structures that date to 1860. While you’re in Springfield, you might also want to pay your respects at Lincoln’s tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery or explore the exhibits at the Abraham Lincoln Museum & Presidential Library.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park (Kentucky)– Lincoln was born at Sinking Spring in Hodgenville, Kentucky, in 1809. Two years later, his family moved just a few miles away to Knob Creek Farm. These two sites are now part of the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. At Sinking Spring, there is a granite memorial that encompasses a cabin similar to the one in which Lincoln was born. At Knob Creek Farm there is a reconstructed log cabin on the site where Lincoln lived until he was eight-years-old.
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (Indiana)– The rest of Lincoln’s boyhood was spent on a farm in southern Indiana. The Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial has a monument to Lincoln, exhibits on his life, and a living historical farm that re-creates a pioneer homestead from the 19th century.
Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial (Washington, D.C.)– Another fitting place to celebrate the lives of Washington and Lincoln is in the nation’s capital. There, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial pay lasting tribute to these two presidents who did so much to shape the United States.
If you’re planning to visit Washington, D.C., you can also try to arrange a tour of the White House. Or, you could visit two other historic sites that are associated with Lincoln’s life. These are the Lincoln Cottage, which he used as a retreat for much of his presidency, and the Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site, where he was tragically assassinated. The theatre today includes a Lincoln museum.
You might also enjoy these articles:
Photo credit: Alex Plank via Wikimedia Commons
Comments
I haven't been to Mount Vernon since they built the new Museum, so this is a good reminder.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!