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.
As a perennial source of water, the spring was probably a
deciding factor in selecting the location for the cabin site. The
Lincolns depended on this spring for their daily water supply and
travelers often paused during their journey to partake of the
refreshingly cool water. Abraham Lincoln probably tasted his first
drink of water from this spring. The appearance of the spring has
changed considerably since the Lincoln era. The area was modified
during early years of park development. However, the natural rock
formations along the back wall have been changed only by nature and
continue to instill impressions of a homesteader's life.
Typical of Kentucky's karst topography and hydrologic systems,
the spring is a significant natural resource. Its water drains
through the subsurface and empties into a branch of the Nolin River
a short distance from the park. Sinking Spring is a part of a
network of springs and subsurface streams in and near the park.
Because the spring's cave supports a variety of fragile cave biota,
it is particularly sensitive to pollutants and encroachment. The
National Park Service monitors those threats, which effect the cave
and its environment.
To help preserve the resource, please do not throw coins or
other objects into the spring.
1. The Sinking Spring is an example of what kind of unusual
landform?
2. What does this unusual landform give us a view into?