Ten fun facts about Abraham Lincoln

1. Lincoln: The 16th President Who Abolished Slavery

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born on February 12, 1809 in a one-room log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. He lived a remarkable life, leading the nation through the Civil War and ultimately abolishing slavery. Sadly, his life was cut short when he was assassinated on April 15, 1865 at the age of 56. His legacy lives on today, and he is remembered as one of the greatest presidents in American history.

Also → Andrew Johnson Becomes President After Lincoln's Assassination

2. Lincoln: One of the Greatest Presidents in American History

Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as one of the greatest presidents in American history. During his time in office, he faced the nation's most difficult constitutional, military, and moral challenges, and yet he managed to save the Union, abolish slavery, establish a strong federal government, and modernize the economy. His legacy is one of courage, determination, and a commitment to justice and equality.

Also → Springfield, Illinois: A Historic Site for Lincoln Fans

3. A Leader of Many Talents

Abraham Lincoln was a man of many talents. After studying law, he became a lawyer and a leader of the Whig Party. He then went on to serve as an Illinois state legislator and a member of the United States House of Representatives. His political career was marked by his commitment to the betterment of the nation, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of Americans.

Also → Lexington, Kentucky: The Birthplace of Mary Todd Lincoln

4. Lincoln's Victory in the South Sets the Stage for the Civil War

In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States despite having virtually no support in the Southern states. His victory was due to his overwhelming popularity in the North, where he won a majority of the electoral votes. This was a remarkable feat, considering the fact that the South had a much larger population than the North at the time. Lincoln's election marked a major turning point in American history, as it set the stage for the Civil War and the eventual abolition of slavery.

Also → Two of History's Greatest Opponents of Slavery

5. Lincoln's Victory in Civil War: Abolishing Slavery

Abraham Lincoln was a staunch advocate for the abolition of slavery, and he used a variety of complex strategies to achieve this goal. In 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in the United States were free. He then followed this up with the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which officially outlawed slavery in the United States. Lincoln's efforts to end slavery were a major factor in the eventual success of the Civil War, and his legacy as a champion of freedom and equality lives on to this day.

Also → 25th President of the United States: William McKinley

6. Grant and Lincoln: A Close Relationship That Led to Union Victory

Grant. Abraham Lincoln was a hands-on leader during the Civil War, taking a personal interest in the selection of top generals. He was particularly impressed with Ulysses S. Grant, who he appointed as the Union's commanding general. Lincoln was so confident in Grant's abilities that he gave him full authority to conduct the war effort, and the two men worked closely together to ensure the Union's victory.

Also → Franklin D. Roosevelt: One of the Greatest U.S Presidents

7. Politician & Power Dynamics Wizard

Abraham Lincoln was a highly intelligent politician who was deeply involved in the power dynamics of each state. He was able to reach out to War Democrats and successfully secure his own re-election in the 1864 presidential election, demonstrating his remarkable political acumen. His ability to navigate the complex political landscape of the time was a testament to his skill as a leader and his commitment to the Union.

Also → Grant Was a Key Figure in Union's Victory in the American Civil War

8. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address Still Inspires

Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as one of the greatest presidents in American history, and his iconic Gettysburg Address of 1863 is the most quoted speech in the nation's history. Delivered at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the speech is considered one of the most influential pieces of rhetoric in American history, and its words continue to inspire and motivate people to this day.

Also → Millard Fillmore: A Political Legacy in Conflict

9. Lincoln's Assassination: A Tragic End to the Civil War

On April 14th, 1865, just 6 days after Confederate commanding general Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union forces, Abraham Lincoln was tragically assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer. Booth, a well-known actor and Confederate supporter, had planned the assassination for months, and was determined to take revenge for the South's defeat in the Civil War. Lincoln's death was a devastating blow to the Union, and a reminder of the tragedy of the Civil War.

Also → Lincoln's Early Years in Indiana

10. Lincoln was the First U.S. President to be Assassinated

Abraham Lincoln was the first U.S. president to be tragically assassinated, an event that shocked the nation and changed the course of history. On April 14th, 1865, Lincoln was shot in the head by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C. He died the following day, leaving behind a legacy of courage, strength, and leadership. His death marked the end of the Civil War and the beginning of a new era in American history.

Also → Martin Van Buren, the 8th President of the United States, Passes Away