Abraham Lincoln
The 16th President (1861-1865)
Biography Before Becoming President
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809. At the age of 22, he moved to the town of New Salem. Lincoln announced that he was running for a seat in the Illinois state legislature. A few weeks after his announcement, the Black Hawk War broke out, and Lincoln volunteered to fight the Native Americans. Lincoln served four terms in the Illinois Legislature and was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He played a key role in the ending of slavery. In 1858, he debated in several legendary debates all across Illinois with author Stephen Douglas about expanding slavery beyond where it already existed. The national attention of these debates aided his presidential election in 1860.
What Did He Do As President?
- Made the decision to fight to prevent the Union from splitting.
- Was a commander in chief during the Civil War.
- Prevented other countries form getting involved in the Civil War.
- Supported the 13th Amendment and helped end slavery.
- Issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
- Wrote a series of famous letters and quotes.
- He was the only president with a patent.
- He signed the first of the Homestead Acts, allowing poor people to obtain land.
5 Interesting Facts:
- Lincoln was a documented wrestler.
- Lincoln hated being called Abe, and preferred to be addressed by his last name.
- Lincoln was a big animal lover who had a dog named Fido and a cat named Tabby.
- Lincoln was the first president with a beard.
- Lincoln's shoe size was between 12 and 14.