KY-TN Trip, Day 2, 10-18-2019

A lazy morning as Bill's tour didn't start until 9:15. We had breakfast in the lodge dining room.

So cute - the bill comes in a little metal box supplied by American Express. Wonder how long these have been here?

Next stop: Lincoln Memorial Birthplace in Hodgenville, KY. We always think of Lincoln's early life as one of poverty - a log cabin - but listening to the narration of the film, it seems that the Lincoln's were actually middle class, edging toward upper middle-class of this time. Poor Mr. Lincoln. They moved to Sinking Spring Farm only to lose it in a property dispute. They moved several miles away and leased land at Knob Creek, only to be faced with a similar situation. Thomas Lincoln, Abe's father then said, "I'm outta here." and moved the family to Indiana.

The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace is called The First Lincoln Memorial. It was built before the Washington D.C. memorial, but looks like a small replica of the center of the larger monument. This memorial is at Sinking Spring Farm and originally believed to be the orignal cabin contained within. Later tests of the log tree rings proved that it was built years later, around 1840.

Fifty-six steps lead up to the memorial, one for each year of Lincoln's of life. I wondered if they might be the end of mine. Boy, am I out of shape.

In the visitor center (hidden by the trees)

The visitor center at Knob Creek was not open and the homestead was a 2-3 hour hike. Signs warned of snakes, ticks, taking plenty of water, etc. so I declined and took photos of whatever was available. This building was originally The Lincoln Tavern, opened by a descendant.

Recreated Boyhood Cabin

Next stop, Frankfort, KY to see the capitol.

The pamphlets on the left come in packets secured with a rubber band. The ladies who take care of the reception desk have been saving them and adding them to the ball for a long time - they're not even sure when it started.

I didn't get a chance to ask if this is still in use.

Third floor is the legislative floor. The door to the House was locked. This is the Senate.

The second floor is the judicial floor. The Supreme Court and the Law Library. The coffin in the middle of the library is for Halloween.

First floor is the Executive Branch - The Governor's Office

Also the statues of famous Kentuckians who were either born or lived here - Dear Old Abe

Jefferson Davis, looking very gallant

And who knew Henry Clay was such a dapper chap?

Also a quilt from the permanent collection of The National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY.

And a collection of world flags. This is a temporary display and I didn't find the purpose.

This is a beautiful capitol, a pleasure to visit.

Also on the first floor are dolls wearing replica gowns worn by First Ladies of KY to their inaugural balls. I just had time to snap them and move on. There are many, so feel free to scroll down. I have to show them all because I have a friend who is not only a fashionista, but a doll collector as well.

We traveled on to London, KY, for the night. One of our rules of the road is "no chain restaurants".  We can, however, go to chains we've never visited or if we don't know it's a chain. We found Shiloh Roadhouse.

I had a chopped steak patty, baked beans from a can, inedible mac and cheese, okay Cole slaw, and a soggy roll.

A long, but fun, day.