Now the Knob Creek Visitor Center, the Lincoln Tavern at Knob Creek was part of the private memorial to Abraham Lincoln that was begun by Hattie and Chester Howard in 1931. The log building was constructed as a roadside tavern to serve the new and growing automobile tourist trade of the era.
Sinking Spring, located just below the hill on which Abraham Lincoln was born, was clearly identified in early land records. This water source was variably known as Sinking Spring, Rock Spring, and Cave Spring. However, early records generally refer to the landmark as Sinking Spring because the water dropped into a pit and disappeared into the earth. Thus, originated the name of the farm. The spring is located to the left of the steps leading up to the Memorial Building.
Located in the Memorial Building, the Symbolic Birth Cabin represents the one Abraham Lincoln was born in on February 12, 1809. While the original was likely lost to time, the logs in this cabins date to mostly the 1840s and depicts a typical cabin of the mid 19th century.
