Before President Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated, many Americans had never seen him. During his presidential campaign, he made one resonating address in New York, and very few photos of him were in circulation. So along his way to Washington, D.C., just before his inaugural address, Lincoln made several public appearances to greet his new constituents. One of his stops was at the Zionsville, Indiana railroad station where he met with a small local crowd on February 11, 1861. Although the railroad line is long gone, a small Indiana park commemorates the occasion.
After his appearance in central Indiana, the presidential train went south to Indianapolis. Honest Abe’s first major address was in Indy to a crowd of 20,000 people, most of them Hoosiers. Lincoln’s presidential appearances went down in Indiana history books, but even before the election he had deep roots in Indiana. A small town in southern Indiana is known for being Lincoln’s boyhood home. Historians and travelers in the Crossroads of America frequently visit the Indiana attractions that were made in Lincoln’s honor, such as the Lincoln State Park and the Lincoln Living Historical Farm in Lincoln City.
Lincoln Memorial Park is a grassy and relaxing spot in downtown Zionsville, where locals are often found in quiet meditation during breaks, lunchtime and in the evenings concerts, weddings and other Indiana events are also regularly held at the park’s adorable gazebo. Picnic tables, a brick-paved path and a memorial plaque are a few other features at this 1-acre, 1-block sized park. The Abraham Lincoln plaque was erected by the local Lion’s Club in 1936, 75-years after Lincoln’s en route visit. That’s because the area was originally named Depot Park, and the name later changed to honor the history and heritage of the Hoosier town.
Other Zionsville attractions can be found nearby Lincoln Memorial Park. It’s just around the corner from dozens of Zionsville shopping destinations, and amazing Indiana restaurants, specialty shops , antique store and art galleries take up the main strip of downtown , along with cute cafes and mom-and-pop eateries. It’s all just a 20-minute drive northwest of the Circle City, making it the perfect place to getaway on a day trip from Indianapolis. Be sure to check out some of the attractions nearby, like the Boone County Courthouse in Lebanon or the Chateau Thomas Winery in Plainfield. Other outdoor sites to see in around town are Lions Park, the Zions Nature Center and Starkey Nature Park. Admission to Lincoln Memorial Park is completely free, making it a great spontaneous day trip destination.
Lincoln Memorial Park
Zionsville, Indiana 46077
317.873.3836
website
Zionsville, Indiana 46077
317.873.3836
website
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I was just wondering how much is costs to rent out Lincoln Park for an event. There is no set date in mind yet so I was wondering if there is a difference in price depending on the season/day of the week.
Thank you