30 Interesting Facts about Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Kentucky, became the 16th President of the United States and is one of the most revered figures in American history. Lincoln led the country through the Civil War, preserved the Union, and issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which led to the abolition of slavery.

Known for his eloquence, honesty, and humility, Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address in 1863, a brief but powerful speech that defined the principles of equality and democracy. Tragically, Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, just days after the Confederate surrender, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a symbol of freedom and unity.

Interesting Facts about Abraham Lincoln:

1. Abraham Lincoln was born in a one-room log cabin in Hardin County (now LaRue County), Kentucky.
2. He was largely self-educated and loved reading books.
3. Lincoln worked various jobs, including as a rail-splitter and store clerk, before becoming a lawyer.
4. He served as a captain in the Illinois militia during the Black Hawk War in 1832.
5. Lincoln married Mary Todd in 1842, and they had four sons, although only one survived into adulthood.
6. He practiced law in Springfield, Illinois, and was known for his honesty and fairness.
7. Lincoln served as a member of the Illinois State Legislature and as a U.S. Congressman.
8. He opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories and was a member of the newly formed Republican Party.
9. Lincoln debated Stephen A. Douglas in the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates during the Illinois Senate race in 1858.
10. He was elected as the 16th President of the United States in November 1860.
11. Lincoln’s election triggered the secession of Southern states, leading to the start of the Civil War in 1861.
12. He faced immense challenges during the Civil War, including managing the Union army and navigating political divisions.
13. Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring all slaves in Confederate-held territory to be free.
14. He delivered the Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
15. Lincoln was re-elected in 1864, defeating George McClellan.
16. He believed in preserving the Union above all else and worked tirelessly toward that goal.
17. Lincoln’s presidency saw the passage of the Homestead Act and the Pacific Railway Act.
18. He established Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863.
19. Lincoln was known for his sense of humor and storytelling ability.
20. He pardoned many soldiers sentenced to death during the Civil War, earning him the nickname “Father Abraham.”
21. Lincoln signed the Morrill Land-Grant Act in 1862, which established land-grant universities.
22. He authorized the creation of the first U.S. paper currency, known as greenbacks, to finance the war effort.
23. Lincoln was the first president to be assassinated, shot by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., on April 14, 1865.
24. He died the following day on April 15, 1865, at the age of 56.
25. Lincoln’s funeral train traveled through several states, allowing thousands to pay their respects.
26. He is buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois.
27. Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War and his commitment to justice and equality made him an enduring symbol of freedom.
28. His face is featured on the U.S. penny and the $5 bill.
29. Lincoln’s childhood home in Kentucky is now a National Historical Park.
30. Lincoln’s legacy continues to inspire generations of Americans and people around the world.