Replica of Lincoln boat to stop at New Madrid riverfront this month

NEW MADRID, Mo. — Those wanting to learn more about Abraham Lincoln's early years will have the opportunity when a 60-foot pioneer-era flatboat docks at the Riverfront Park in New Madrid later this month.

The boat, Journey of Remembrance, sets sail Tuesday and will travel down the Mississippi River to retrace Lincoln's 1828 flatboat trip from Rockport, Ind., to New Orleans.

The voyage, which will pass through eight states and more than 20 towns along the way, will share the story of when the 19-year-old future president transported a load of produce for a local merchant. While in New Orleans on the trip, Lincoln witnessed his first slave auction.

"There are many writings about how he was shocked and horrified to see slaves in chains and the way they were treated and torn away from their families. He found this to be very disturbing," said Melissa Miller, executive director of Spencer County Visitors Bureau in Santa Claus, Ind.

Miller said the purpose of the journey is to educate people about Lincoln's upcoming 200th birthday, which is Feb. 12.

"Most people associate Lincoln with Illinois," Miller said, adding the effort will include telling the story of Lincoln's life in Spencer County, Ind., where he lived with his family from age 7 to 21.

The flatboat will set sail from Cairo, Ill., at 8 a.m. Sept. 19 and travel 62 miles. It is expected to arrive in New Madrid at 5 p.m.

"They contacted us because, of course, we're on the river," said Christina McWaters, executive director of the New Madrid Chamber of Commerce, about the boat's visit to New Madrid.

McWaters said she encourages public to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The boat will also dock Monday in Paducah, Ky.; Tuesday in Metropolis, Ill.; Sept. 17 in Cairo, Ill.; Sept. 20 in Caruthersville; Sept. 21 in Osceola, Ark.; and Sept. 22 in Memphis, Tenn.

An informational tent containing a portable exhibit about Lincoln's life in Indiana will be set up at each stop. Re-enactors will distribute free full-color information booklets and activity sheets for children. Information will be displayed up until dark, Miller said.

Visitors should be aware of the re-enactor who will depict a young Lincoln, Miller noted.

"It's not the more recognizable Lincoln with the black top hat. This Lincoln will be more of a frontiersmen and pioneer," Miller said.

Due to U.S. Coast Guard restrictions, public tours of the boat will not be allowed, Miller said.

This journey is the second re-enactment of Lincoln's voyage from Rockport to New Orleans. In 1958, for the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, the Rockport Jaycees Club constructed a similar flatboat and made the same journey to New Orleans. Several of the crew members from 1958 will be involved in portions of this month's re-enactment, which is a joint effort by members of Spencer County Visitors Bureau, Spencer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Think Lincoln Inc. and the Association for a Better Rockport.