In 1906, William Randolph Hearst purchased the site where New Salem had stood, and conveyed it in trust to the Old Salem Chautauqua Association, which in turn conveyed the site to the State of Illinois in 1919.

Through personal accounts of people who had lived in New Salem, as well as archeological studies and other means of documentation, the reconstructed buildings and their locations are believed to give an accurate picture of the town as it was in the 1830's during the time Lincoln lived there.  Much of the current reconstruction of the town and its buildings was done by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) in the 1930's.

The only original structure in New Salem is Henry Onstot's Cooper Shop, which was found in the town of Petersburg and was moved in 1922 from Petersburg back to its original location in New Salem.  In the 1830's, almost all produce was shipped and stored in barrels.  The cooper made the barrels and also wooden buckets and tubs that were used in homes.

Only after years of practice did a cooper earn the title "master cooper" when he had attained the skill required to make a barrel fine enough to hold liquids.  Mr. Onstot charged forty cents for a flour barrel and $1 for a "wet barrel" to hold pork in liquid brine.

Guides in typical dress of the 1830's greet visitors to New Salem in some of the homes and businesses, and demonstrate crafts.... like spinning wool.

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