In 1830 the Lincoln family moved from Indiana to Decatur Illinois, roughly 100 steps from the Sangamon River. Later Lincoln resettled in New Salem area in old Sangamon County (partially within Menard County now). Sangamon River represented opportunity to a young Lincoln, providing a chance to pilot his own flatboat to New Orleans with his cousin John in March 1831. This experience created a sobering first impression of the South and slavery that would remain with him forever. This illustration is drawn by very talented young artist Gloria Su from the village of Chatham, a recent GHS graduate. Gloria is attending a state university on art scholarship. We want to thank Gloria for helping us in an artistic way to tell the story of Lincoln.