Cave and Karst Resources Summary - Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

Soto, Limaris

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park (ABLI) is located in LaRue County in central Kentucky (Hutchison et al. 2011). This entire region is often referred to as the “Central Kentucky Karst” which is part of a karstic limestone belt that extends from southern Indiana through Kentucky into Tennessee. Kentucky karst is among the most well-developed karst landscapes in the world (Thornberry-Ehrlich 2010). ABLI comprises two distinct units: the Birthplace Unit and the Knob Creek Unit (sometimes known as the Boyhood Home Unit) located about 13 km (8 mi) to the northeast from the Birthplace Unit. The Birthplace Unit features a large memorial building and information resources, it is approximately 45.7 ha (113 acres) in size. The Knob Creek Unit is in a more rural setting and is approximately 92.2 ha (228 acres) in size (Hutchison et al. 2011). At the Birthplace Unit, a natural sinking spring played a significant role in the historical development of the site. Surface water on this karstic landscape is typically rare so in order to take advantage of the rich soil and agricultural opportunities, early settlers were drawn to areas with natural springs and sinkhole ponds. Lincoln’s father settled at the site because of the ready access to water and a perennial spring (Thornberry-Ehrlich 2006).