Jerry A. Goodnight's books on Abraham Lincoln and rumors of his birth in North Carolina

On our recent road trip through the Carolinas we stopped at the Bostic Lincoln Center, where the museum discusses the rumor that Abraham Lincoln was actually born there, and not in Kentucky.  The main rumor also involves a different father than Thomas Lincoln.

Those are some pretty heavy rumors to consider.

The Bostic Lincoln Center sells a couple of books, authored and coauthored by Jerry A. Goodnight, that address and explain those legends.

"Tarheel Lincoln" is the first book and mostly addresses the local legend of Lincoln's origins.

"Searching for Lincoln:  Amid the Rumors, Legends and Lies" is a bit of a follow up book, digging deeper into variations on the North Carolina rumors and some other stories.  He covers, in detail, the 17 or so men who have been mentioned as possible fathers of Lincoln.

Goodnight is academic and mentions his sources and where the stories originated- while his books are still easy to read and follow.

The rumors and legends are uncomfortable but interesting.  One name pops up in almost every variation on the story.  These books are thoughtful and thought provoking, and they are worthy of inclusion in any serious Lincoln Library.