Abraham Lincoln Facts

The 16th President of USA, Abraham Lincoln was born on 12th February, 1809. Born as second child to Nancy Lincoln and Thomas Lincoln, Abraham was brought up in Hardin County, Kentucky. President Lincoln is remembered for the great leadership qualities he exhibited during the American Civil War and his contribution towards abolition of slavery. The United States of America, during the term of President Lincoln not only survived the testing times of American Civil War, but also entered a new era where slavery was abolished. Highlights of the illustrious career and life of President Lincoln can be found in this article.

Facts about Abraham Lincoln's Life

Mr. Abraham Lincoln faced many hardships early on in his life. His mother died when he was just nine years old. Lincoln's family moved to Illinois in March, 1831. Macon County was the place where the family settled. Few months later, Abraham Lincoln moved out of Macon County and came to New Salem at the age of 22. In New Salem he started working as a clerk. In the month of April (1832) Lincoln got enlisted in the local militia. The breakout of Blackhawk war had caused the governor of Illinois to call for troops. Lincoln got enlisted in the 'Thirty-First Regiment of Illinois'. Although, he served for 51 days, Lincoln didn't get any chance to take part in the war. Later he worked as a postmaster and surveyor. In the month of August, Lincoln contested elections for a seat in the Illinois General Assembly Elections; although he was not successful in winning the elections, this experience fueled his political aspirations. On 4th August, 1934 however, Abraham Lincoln won the Sangamon County seat during the Illinois General Assembly Elections. In the year 1846, Abraham Lincoln was elected for a two-year term in the US House of Representatives. Lincoln's family life was full of hardships. The tragic deaths of his three sons had a huge impact on his mind. Robert Todd Lincoln, Willie Lincoln, Edward Lincoln and Thomas "Tad" Lincoln were the four children of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln. Edward, Willie and Thomas died at the age of three, eleven and eighteen respectively. Robert was the only one of them to live to adulthood.

Abraham Lincoln: Facts about his Presidency
President Lincoln was affiliated to the Republican Party from 1854 to 1865. Earlier, i.e from 1832 to 1854, he was a member of the Whig Party. He served the term as President from 1861 to 1865. The Gettysburg Address, a speech given by Lincoln after the Battle of Gettysburg is considered as one of the best in American history. Through this speech, President Lincoln reiterated his belief in the values of equality, liberty, nationalism and the institution of democracy. Assassination of Abraham Lincoln took place on 14th April 1865; this also meant that he could not complete the second term. He was the first President of USA to be assassinated.

Assassination of President Lincoln
President Lincoln was shot by an actor named John Wilkes Booth on 14th April, 1865. Lincoln died on the morning of 15th April, 1865. The American Civil War was about to end and his assassination was an act of desperation by the Confederates. President Lincoln was shot on the back of his head near the left ear. Earlier, John Wilkes Booth had planned to kidnap the President. This was to be done to resume the exchange of prisoners of American Civil War. Booth and his accomplices twice missed the opportunity to kidnap the president i.e. on 4th March, 1865 and 17th March, 1865. The month of April in 1865 brought a series of failures for the Confederate Army as their capital, Richmond (Virginia) was captured on 3rd April. Few days later i.e. on 9th April, the Army of Northern Virginia surrendered. It was an indication of the beginning of end for the Confederates. On 11th April, 1865 President Lincoln gave a speech in which he expressed his views on enfranchising those people who were earlier treated as slaves. John Wilkes Booth became infuriated at these thoughts expressed by the president and decided to kill him.

Interesting Facts about Abraham Lincoln
Let us find some interesting facts on the life of Abraham Lincoln.

• Abraham Lincoln went to school for a period of just 18 months. He was fond of reading and educated himself mostly through self-study for the rest of his life.
• Mr. Lincoln was the first president from the western side of Appalachian mountain range.
• Abraham Lincoln was a good wrestler. He also had the skills required for using an ax.
• A national banking system was created by President Lincoln by means of the National Banking Act of 1863.
• Abraham Lincoln was the tallest president of all with a height of 6 feet 4 inches; his height and physical strength made him intimidating. He had once protected his supporter from an assailant by grabbing and throwing the latter.
• Lincoln was the first president of USA to sport a beard.
• Abraham Lincoln hated visiting dentists. It was partly because once a doctor had almost broken his jaw while pulling out a tooth.
• Abraham Lincoln had secured a patent for floatation device in 1849. Lincoln is said to be the only president to have held a patent.

The Abraham Lincoln facts for kids and other important details can be obtained through this article. The fun and interesting facts would entertain kids, while the other factual information provided through this short biography of Abraham Lincoln should be useful for students. The article therefore, summarizes the life of Abraham Lincoln in short.