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Hidden gem: Lincoln's New Salem offers visitors the chance to step back in time and experience life in the early 19th century. With over 22 reconstructed buildings, including a schoolhouse, tavern, and blacksmith shop, it's like stepping into a living history museum. 2. Fact: Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, lived in New Salem for six years. This park preserves the site of the village where he lived and worked as a postmaster, shopkeeper, and surveyor before becoming a lawyer. 3. Local legend: New Salem is rumored to have its fair share of ghostly encounters. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions, hearing whispers, and experiencing other mysterious phenomena. It's a creepy reminder of the past that adds an extra layer of intrigue to the park. 4. Fact: Lincoln's New Salem was a bustling frontier community with a diverse population. People from all walks of life, including farmers, craftsmen, merchants, and even outlaws, called this place home. It's an opportunity to learn about the unique challenges and opportunities faced by early settlers. 5. Quirky detail: One quirky aspect of Lincoln's New Salem is its inclusion of a working historic farm. Visitors can experience the daily routines of a 19th-century farm, including tending to crops, caring for animals, and exploring the agricultural techniques of the time. It's a hands-on way to connect with the past.