Indiana is trying to capitalize on its relationship to Abraham Lincoln. Gov. Daniels, accurately I think, refers to Indiana as the “forgotten stepchild” in the Lincoln legacy. Kentucky seems to have promoted itself as the place where Lincoln was born and Illinois has dubbed itself “the Land of Lincoln.” With Indiana, it’s always been more like, “oh yeah, he lived there too.”
According to Gov. Mitch Daniels, the Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Mother’s Day Celebration will begin to correct the oversight of Indiana being the “forgotten stepchild” in the Lincoln legacy.
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In his remarks, Daniels said Indiana has been too modest and passive regarding its Lincoln connection.
“This is where his character was born that saved the nation,” he said. “A year from now no one will doubt the credit Indiana deserves in the Lincoln legacy.”
Daniels termed the event “a great celebration for our state.”
Asked afterward why he noted Lincoln as the “greatest American,” Daniels said, “Because of his moral courage, his willingness to endure almost unimaginable criticism to do what was right — he suffered enormously, both physically and emotionally.”
Of course, if enhancing the state’s Lincoln cred is really one of the state’s priorities, a first step may have been trying to keep open the Lincoln Museum in Fort Wayne.
According to this Lincoln family time line, Lincoln was born in Kentucky on Feb. 12, 1809; he moved to Indiana in 1816 where he lived until 1830 — basically from age 7 to age 21.
Wow, I have this picture of Daniels in a suit jacket that says “GOV” on the back…
I noticed that they are now adding to the “welcome to Indiana” road signs “Boyhood Home of Abraham Lincoln.” Seems like a good idea, and Mitch is right about the stepchild thing. In modern terms, Lincoln lived in Indiana from first grade until his senior year in college. Most people would consider such a place “home.” Indiana’s claim certainly isn’t frivolous.
By the way, if you are ever looking for a cheap but enjoyable family getaway, the Lincoln Boyhood Home and national memorial are right up the road from Holiday World and Lincoln State Park. It’s a nice way to add some substance to an amusement park trip.
Good tip, John. Get my kids some history, go ride some rides, and maybe drop in and visit T down near the river.
We took our kids to the Lincoln Boyhood Home this past summer. My oldest still talks about it. Just be aware that the Lincoln Boyhood Home is part of the National Park System. Lincoln State Park is seperate from that and really has no historical links to the land his folks lived on or the Nancy Hanks Lincoln grave, etc.
Very true. I should have elaborated on that. The state park is just named for Lincoln, with no other link. But it does provide cheap accommodations.
Faked me out with your headline, Doug. I thought it referred to Andy Horning, Libertarian candidate for Governor… so I was surprised to see that it was about Mitch Daniels.
We could arrange to meet you there. Emma and the boy have Holiday World passes this year.
‘Because of his moral courage, his willingness to endure almost unimaginable criticism to do what was right’
Sounds like Daniels thinks he is channeling Lincoln.