The Black Hawk War mirrored the other wars of Indian removal that had cleared the American south and northwest for white settlement. Andrew Jackson had built upon his reputation as a ruthless Indian fighter and become President of the United States. Lincoln later made light of his experience in the Black Hawk War, conceding that while he had seen no action "I had a good many bloody struggles with the musquetoes; and although I never fainted from loss of blood, I can truly say I was often very hungry." But the experience cemented his position as a community leader and helped build a basic organization for the pursuit of political office.

 

Upon returning from the Black Hawk War in the fall of 1832, Lincoln completed his campaign for the legislature, which proved unsuccessful. Out of work, Lincoln took up storekeeping, then worked as a surveyor and postmaster. He again ran for the state legislature in 1834, and this time won election.

At first taken aback by life in the legislature, Lincoln quickly found that he was at least the equal of his colleagues. Realizing that many made their livings as attorneys, he resolved to take up the study of law. Working as the New Salem postmaster, Lincoln enjoyed considerable opportunity to study and reflect, and he devoted himself to his law books with great energy and tenacity.

 

In the legislature Lincoln marked himself as a vigorous advocate for an improved Illinois transportation system, especially canals. In 1825 New York's Erie Canal had opened the northwest to Yankee settlers. Connecting the Hudson River with Lake Erie, the canal completed an all-water link between New York City and the emerging metropolis of Chicago, at the Great Lakes' southwestern terminus.

 

As New Englanders surged into Illinois' northern tier, they changed a state that had been largely settled by southerners and immigrants from the middle colonies. Many brought an ardent opposition to the institution of human slavery west with them.

The new population made the state's southerly capitol at Vandalia increasingly inconvenient, and in 1837 Lincoln played a large role in the Sangamon County delegation's successful effort to remove the state government to Springfield, some ninety miles farther to the north.

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