The Lincoln Foundation
Beechland Lincoln Markers
Washington County historian, Miss Olive Walker, during the 1950s era, identified significant Beechland historic sites at which wood plaques were placed. One of the goals of the Lincoln Foundation is to replace these deteriorated plaques with permanent bronze markers.
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View a map of all Beechland Lincoln Markers here.
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01
The Housekeeping Cabin
Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Cabin in which they went to “Housekeeping" in 1805. Their first child, Nancy, who died in infancy was born here and is buried near the site of the cabin which was moved to Harrodsburg about 1912.
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Coordinates:
Latitude 37.77236
Longitude -85.19524
View on Google Maps
02
The Lincoln Spring
This spring which still runs today was the water source for Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks when they moved here in 1805. Then later, after their marriage in 1806, Nancy and Thomas lived in the Housekeeping cabin with Sara and Abraham until Abraham was about 18 months old. A young neighbor, William Hardesty, was hired to stay with Nancy while Thomas was away. The cabin was located approximately 100 feet east of the spring.
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Coordinates:
Latitude 37.77236
Longitude -85.19524
View on Google Maps
03
General Area of the murder of Captain Abraham Lincoln
This is also the site of the Pioneer Cemetery where some eighty pioneers are said to be buried, including Captain Abraham Lincoln, grandfather of President Lincoln, and Naomi Shipley Mitchell, aunt of the President.
Coordinates:
Latitude 37.6488
Longitude -85.21018
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Pictured is the historical plaque that marks the general area where the grandfather of President Lincoln was murdered. Donated by Gwinn Thompson and Jerry Coleman. Nearby is the site of the Pioneer Cemetery which rests on the precipice above the Beechfork River. It is there that Captain Abraham Lincoln was buried in 1788.
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04
The Mitchell Cemetery
Daniel Mitchell, son of Robert and Naomi Shipley Mitchell built a cabin near the banks of the Beechfork after his marriage to Jane Berry in 1794. Jane was a companion and cousin to Nancy Hanks. The log home still stands today, although covered by a modern structure. The nearby fenced cemetery contains the graves of Daniel Mitchell, his wife, Jane, and four of their children.
Coordinates:
Latitude 37.72873
Longitude 85.19183
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05
The Sarah Mitchell Thompson Burial Site
The Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church Cemetery is the burial site of Sarah Mitchell Thompson. This church was established in 1833 after Beechland pioneers moved from their meeting house located along the banks of the Beechfork near the Pioneer Cemetery.
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Sarah Mitchell Thompson, first cousin and best friend of Nancy Hanks Lincoln, lived for five years with Nancy in the Richard Berry, Sr. home. Her grave is located front center in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
Coordinates:
Latitude 37.72873
Longitude 85.19183
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06
The Richard Berry Cabin
The Richard Berry Jr cabin, a double hewn log cabin fronted the road a short distance from the ford at Beech Fork. One of the largest houses in Washington County, it was listed in 1989 on the National Register of Historic Houses. Sadly, Washington County made no effort to save the historic cabin and in 2006 the owner advertised the cabin for sale and it was purchased by Jerry and Linda Bruckeimer and relocated to their Walnut Grove Estate in nearby Bloomfield-Nelson County, Kentucky.
Coordinates:
Latitude 37.76944
Longitude -85.22583
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07
The Berry Mill
Edward Berry donated land to Phillip Mattingly in 1819 to build a grist mill, designed as an under-shot type. In exchange, Berry was to have grinding rights. Mrs. Davidson Reed was the last owner and operator of the mill when it closed in 1929.
Coordinates:
Latitude 37.77151
Longitude -85.18947
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08
The Francis Berry Home
This is the site of the marriage of Thomas and Nancy Hanks Lincoln. It is the possible birthplace of President Lincoln.
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Coordinates:
Latitude 37.77702
Longitutde-85.19085
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09
Mordecai Lincoln Home
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this house built in 1797 by Mordecai Lincoln is the only existing structure, owned and occupied by a member of the Lincoln Family, that still stands on its original site.
Coordinates:
Latitude 37.74847
Longitude -85.20977
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10
Washington County Clerk's Office
This is the place where Thomas Lincoln secured his marriage license.
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Coordinates:
Latitude 37.6855874
Longitude -85.2215964
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11
Uriah Litsey Home Site
Built in 1842 by Uriah Litsey, this house was constructed on a portion of the 600 acres plantation obtained by Richard Berry, Sr. through a land grant December 2, 1785.
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Coordinates:
Latitude 37.77217
Longitude -85.20258
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12
The John Thompson House
This house, built on part of Matthew Walton's land, was deeded to John Thompson in 1817. It was later owned by John Calhoun who boasted he cast the only vote for Lincoln in Washington County.
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Coordinates:
Latitude 37.685917
Longitude -85.219667
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13
Rev. Jesse Head Homesite
Only a marker remains to identify the site of Rev. Head, the minister who performed the wedding of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks, parents of President Abraham Lincoln.
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Coordinates:
Latitude 37.686357
Longitude -85.221236
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14
Historic Stephen C. Brown House
Originaly house is two 18 foot square 2-story log cabins with center open breezeway built circa 1790. Cabins were covered with poplar clapboards circa 1810 with Federal style façade and downstairs rear addition. Upstairs rooms in rear were added later as were kitchen and breakfast room on west side of house. Identical front doors with side lights on first and second floors flanked by pilasters. Entry hall and staircase mirror Mordecai Lincoln House. Original Federal style woodwork includes stone fireplace mantle with paneled pilasters, chair-rails and Shaker cabinetry. Built by Stephen Cocke Brown who married Eleanor Davison, daughter of Elias Davison, the manor house of Zelma Farm, as it was then known, was home to their 11 children who were born in the house. Stephen C. Brown, who died in 1864, and his wife are buried at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Parts of Zelma Farm are now owned by Ed and Kris O'Daniel. Restoration of the house was completed in 1997.
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