Facts about Abraham Lincoln

On this page, you'll find a few fun facts about Abraham Lincoln - the 16th President of the United States of America. You'll also find a few Abraham Lincoln pictures along the way, and you can read some of his great quotes. "Honest" Abe Lincoln was one of the most loved and well known Presidents in American history. He was a fascinating character! Here is a fun video about our 16th president...

Facts About Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln birthplace: Abraham Lincoln was born in a one room log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky on February 12, 1809. He was eight years old when his family moved to Indiana.
Lincoln's parents were farmers
Abe Lincoln's education consisted of only about 18 months of formal schooling. He was primarily self-educated
He was a good wrestler, winning several matches. Bill Green, a man who once watched the young Abe Lincoln wrestle in New Salem, Illinois in 1831 said "He can outrun, outlift, outwrestle and throw down any man in Sangamon County,".

Abraham Lincoln Wrestling

Lincoln was a member of the Republican party
When Lincoln was a young boy, he was kicked in the head by a horse. He lost consciousness for many hours and some thought he was dead.
In 1830, the Lincolns moved to Illinois, settling on land along the Sangamon River, near Decatur.
President Abraham Lincoln signed the National Banking Act in 1863, an act establishing a national banking system and establish a national currency.
Abraham Lincoln married Mary Todd on November 4, 1842. She was from a wealthy family of slaveholder's. The family of Mary Todd Lincoln were not happy with the match, since Lincoln was from a poor family.
Lincoln was the tallest President at 6 feet 4 inches.
Abe Lincoln used to carry letters, bills and other documents in his stovepipe hat.
Lincoln assassination: President Lincoln was the first President to be assassinated.
Lincoln suffered from depression.
On May 22, 1849, Abraham Lincoln received Patent No. 6469 for a device to lift boats over shoals.
Lincoln was the first President to wear a beard in office.

Fun Fact: President Lincoln had a dream
about being killed approximately one week
before he was shot

Abraham Lincoln Portrait Print with Gettysburg Address

In 1858, Lincoln ran against Stephen Douglas in the race for U.S. Senator from Illinois. He lost the election, but gained national attention for the Lincoln-Douglas debates that took place during the campaign.
On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation that declared forever free those slaves within the Confederacy.
Lincoln was the first Republican President. The Republican party was established in 1854.
Many people like to learn about the coincidences between JFK and Abe Lincoln. Read about some of these coincidences on our John F Kennedy page.
Lincoln was buried on May 4, 1865, in Springfield, Illinois.

Robert Redford's film about the Lincoln Assassination conspiracy is a great way to learn some more facts about Abraham Lincoln and about the events surrounding his assassination. One women and seven men were arrested and charged with conspiring to kill President Lincoln. This movie focuses on the lone woman charged - Mary Surratt. It's a great movie about a little known fact in American history.

The Conspirator (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Abraham Lincoln Quotes

"Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing." - Abraham Lincoln

"Don't interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties." - Abraham Lincoln

"Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition." - Abraham Lincoln

"Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." - Abraham Lincoln

"Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." - Abraham Lincoln

"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts." - Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln Quotes

O Captain My Captain - A poem about Lincoln written by Walt Whitman

Abraham Lincoln Quote Print - America will never be destroyed...

Fun Fact: While researching facts about Abraham Lincoln, I found that a common misspelling of Abraham Lincoln's name used for searching is Aberham Lincoln.