Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza Groundbreaking

The Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission visited Spencer County's Lincoln State Park last week to break ground for the new Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza.

The project was designed by Artist Will Clark and Architect George Morrison both of Ft. Wayne, Ind. It consists of a large, bisected circular plaza. Visitors will first enter an area punctuated with limestone pedestals and interpretive signs signifying key milestones in Lincoln’s formative Indiana years between ages seven and 21.

A central half-circle reminds visitors of young Abraham’s growth from a boy to a man. Visitors can move freely between the pedestals at any pace. The second semicircle provides a more intimate space for reflecting upon the man who led this nation. It will contain a twice-life-size bronze bust of Lincoln, accompanied by some of his quotes.

The site is located on a knoll in the Oak Grove area of the park. The project is scheduled for completion in June of 2009. This is also the same time Lincoln Amphitheatre will re-open.

The estimated cost of the project is $300,000, which will be funded through the Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.