A Kentucky and American icon, Abraham Lincoln, celebrates his 201st birthday this month on February 12. Although he wasn’t a horseman, in honor of his birthday we’ll explore some of the state’s historic Lincoln attractions mentioned in Patti Nickell’s Horse Lover’s Guide to Kentucky. In downtown Lexington, a modest two-story brick building on West Main Street marks the site of the Mary Todd Lincoln House. In 1977, the girlhood home of Abe’s wife became the first house museum in America to honor a first lady. Built in 1806, today the house contains period furniture, portraits, memorabilia, and furnishings from both the Todd and Lincoln families. 578 West Main St. www.mtlhouse.org.

In Springfield, a little more than an hour’s drive from both Lexington and Louisville, is the Lincoln Homestead State Park. This historic site features a replica of the modest log cabin where Lincoln’s father was raised and of the blacksmith shop where he learned his trade. Another dwelling, Berry House, is the actual structure where Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks, was born and grew up. 5079 Lincoln Park Rd. (859) 3aaep-2006-7461. www.parks.ky.gov