Sites Across Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois Shaped the Man Who
Would Be President Hallowed Ground Magazine, Summer 2009
Although he may not have been a media darling during much of his
time in office, the 144 years since his death have turned
Abraham Lincoln into an iconic figure. A C-Span poll of
historians released in February 2009 crowned him the greatest
president in American history, ranking him in the top three for
each of 10 individual leadership characteristics. Admiration of
Lincoln, however, goes well beyond academic circles and has
created something of a cult of personality surrounding our 16th
president. Across the country a wide variety of historic sites
with varying degrees of connection to his life and legacy
promote their Lincoln ties, catering to heritage tourists eager
to see all aspects of what shaped the Great Emancipator. Many of
these destinations are member sites of the Civil War Discovery
Trail, a National Millennium Trail that teaches the story of the
Civil War and its enduring impact