[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 110 (Monday, July 7, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S6364]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

  By Mr. BUNNING:
  S. 3226. A bill to rename the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National 
Historic Site in the State of Kentucky as the ``Abraham Lincoln 
Birthplace National Historical Park''; to the Committee on Energy and 
Natural Resources.
  Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I would like to introduce a bill to 
rename the ``Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site'' in the 
State of Kentucky as the ``Abraham Lincoln Birthplace Historical 
Park.''
  In 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born at Sinking Spring Farm, near 
Hodgenville, Kentucky, making him the first President to be born 
outside the original Thirteen Colonies. A century later, in 1916, the 
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site was established to 
protect over 100 acres of this enshrined area.
  In 1811, the Lincoln family moved from Sinking Spring Farm to Knob 
Hill Farm, Kentucky, until Abraham Lincoln was nearly 8 years old. At 
the age of 51, Abraham Lincoln wrote, ``My earliest recollection is the 
Knob Creek place.'' While at Knob Hill, Abraham Lincoln learned to talk 
and assume household duties, helping his family gather wood and water. 
It was also at Knob Hill, during his boyhood years, where Lincoln first 
saw African Americans being taken south along the Louisville-Nashville 
Turnpike, part of the old Cumberland Road, to be sold as slaves. Only 
50 years later, Abraham Lincoln would successfully lead his Nation 
through its worst crisis to abolish slavery.
  There is an inspiring climb from modest beginnings to the highest 
office in the land, along with a relentless spirit through the most 
distressing time in the history of our Nation, which opens us to the 
life of Abraham Lincoln.
  As someone who is proud to share the same birth State with Abraham 
Lincoln, I believe there is a credible desire in Kentucky to continue 
the education and promotion among our citizens, particularly the young, 
to understand and appreciate his righteous leadership. It is difficult 
to name another person who has displayed the qualities and character of 
the U.S. as much as Abraham Lincoln.

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