145 Fun Facts About Abraham Lincoln That Will Amaze

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, remains a symbol of resilience, wisdom, and compassion.

His intriguing life story, full of triumphs and trials, continues to captivate people worldwide.

From his humble beginnings to his monumental achievements, these fun facts provide a closer look at the man behind the legend.

Lincoln’s Early Life and Childhood

Abraham Lincoln was born in a one-room log cabin in Hodgenville, Kentucky, on February 12, 1809.
His family moved to Indiana when he was just seven years old, where he helped clear land for farming.
Lincoln had less than a year of formal schooling but was an avid self-learner.
He earned the nickname “Honest Abe” early in life by returning a few cents to a customer at his store.
Despite being tall and strong, young Lincoln hated hunting and harming animals.
As a boy, Lincoln saved a turtle from being tortured by his friends, showing his compassion.
His mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, died when he was just nine years old.
Lincoln’s stepmother, Sarah Bush Johnston, was a strong influence, encouraging his education.
His favorite childhood book was “The Life of George Washington” by Parson Weems.
Young Lincoln walked miles to borrow books, showing his determination to learn.
He once wrote arithmetic problems on the back of a wooden shovel when paper was scarce.
Lincoln’s family struggled financially, and he often worked as a farmhand.
He built a reputation as a skilled axe-wielder in his youth.
One of his first jobs was ferrying people across the Ohio River.
Lincoln’s family belonged to a Baptist church that opposed slavery, shaping his early beliefs.

Abraham Lincoln’s Early Career

Before entering politics, Lincoln worked as a storekeeper, rail-splitter, and surveyor.
He became a licensed bartender and co-owned a tavern in New Salem, Illinois.
Lincoln was known for his storytelling ability, often entertaining crowds with humorous anecdotes.
He served as a captain in the Illinois militia during the Black Hawk War but saw no combat.
His first political position was as a member of the Illinois State Legislature in 1834.
Lincoln taught himself law and passed the bar exam in 1836.
He earned a reputation as an honest and effective lawyer, often traveling the circuit courts.
Lincoln once represented a woman in court without charging her because she couldn’t afford his fees.
He was an early advocate for infrastructure improvements, supporting canals and railroads.
Lincoln opposed the Mexican-American War, believing it was unjust.
He served a single term in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1847 to 1849.
As a Congressman, Lincoln argued against the expansion of slavery into new territories.
He proposed a bill to abolish slavery in Washington, D.C., with compensation for slave owners.
After his Congressional term, Lincoln returned to practicing law full-time.
Lincoln earned the nickname “The Railsplitter” during his campaign for president, referencing his humble roots.

Lincoln as a Family Man

Abraham Lincoln married Mary Todd on November 4, 1842.
The couple had four sons: Robert, Edward, William (“Willie”), and Thomas (“Tad”).
Only one of Lincoln’s sons, Robert, survived into adulthood.
Lincoln adored his children and was known to join in their playful antics.
He once allowed Tad to attend a cabinet meeting, where the boy entertained everyone.
Mary Todd Lincoln described her husband as a loving and patient father.
Lincoln often read Shakespeare aloud to his family, particularly enjoying “Hamlet” and “Macbeth.”
The Lincolns grieved deeply when Willie died of typhoid fever in 1862.
He carried letters from his children in his hat, cherishing their affection.
Lincoln reportedly disliked killing animals for food and preferred simpler meals.
Despite his busy schedule, he took time to teach Tad arithmetic.
Mary Todd Lincoln suffered from depression, and Lincoln supported her through her struggles.
The Lincolns enjoyed attending the theater together whenever possible.
Tad Lincoln had a pet goat that roamed freely in the White House.
Lincoln once joked about being “controlled” by his children, highlighting his gentle nature.

Presidency and Leadership

Abraham Lincoln was the first U.S. president with a beard, grown after a young girl suggested it.
He delivered the famous Gettysburg Address in under three minutes.
Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, freeing slaves in Confederate states.
His leadership preserved the Union during the Civil War, despite tremendous challenges.
Lincoln was the first president to use the telegraph as a tool for military communication.
He frequently visited Union troops on the battlefield to boost morale.
Lincoln established the first federal income tax to fund the Civil War.
He signed the Homestead Act, providing land to settlers willing to farm it.
Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.
He advocated for the transcontinental railroad to connect the east and west coasts.
Lincoln was the first president to grant a full pardon to a Thanksgiving turkey.
He personally intervened in cases of Union soldiers sentenced to death for desertion.
Lincoln’s cabinet was known as a “team of rivals,” composed of former political opponents.
He strongly believed in reconciliation with the South after the Civil War.
Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address emphasized “malice toward none” and “charity for all.”

Fun and Unusual Facts About Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was a talented wrestler and inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
He was a licensed patent holder for a device to lift boats over shoals, though it was never built.
Lincoln’s favorite poem was “Mortality” by William Knox.
He once tested cannons on the White House lawn during the Civil War.
Lincoln loved cats and often played with them at the White House.
He carried a pocket watch inscribed with a hidden message supporting the Union.
Lincoln was known for his height, standing 6’4”, and often wore a tall stovepipe hat.
He kept important documents inside his hat for safekeeping.
Lincoln never joined a church but had a strong personal faith.
He once joked that his legs were his best feature because they reached the ground.
The phrase “Honest Abe” originated from his time as a store clerk.
Lincoln suffered from depression and sought solace in humor and storytelling.
He enjoyed watching Shakespearean plays and often quoted them.
Lincoln rarely used profanity and disapproved of others doing so.
He once pardoned a chicken thief because he reminded him of his own childhood struggles.

More Fascinating Facts About Abraham Lincoln

He had no middle name.
Lincoln owned a dog named Fido.
He coined the phrase “government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
His assassination occurred just days after the Civil War ended.
John Wilkes Booth, his assassin, was a famous actor.
He avoided smoking and drinking throughout his life.
Lincoln’s voice was reportedly high-pitched and nasal, contrary to how many imagine it.
His stovepipe hat added nearly a foot to his already towering height.
Lincoln’s law office sign read, “A. Lincoln, Attorney at Law,” with no frills.
He often wrote letters to soldiers’ families to console them personally.
Lincoln’s favorite color was blue, which he wore in many portraits.
He once gave a speech standing on a tree stump, earning him the nickname “The Railsplitter.”
The day he was assassinated, Lincoln told his bodyguard he had a dream of impending danger.
His shoe size was an impressive size 14, matching his tall stature.
Lincoln read every book he could borrow, often returning them with personal notes.
He advocated for women’s voting rights years before the suffrage movement gained traction.
Lincoln was known for his distinctive handwriting, which was elegant and clear.
He often played with his children on the White House lawn, despite his busy schedule.
Lincoln’s first love, Ann Rutledge, died tragically young, leaving him heartbroken.
He once lost his hat in a wrestling match and joked about it for years.
Lincoln kept a journal where he recorded philosophical reflections.
He loved to eat apples and often had one with his meals.
Lincoln designed his own campaign buttons during his run for president.
His favorite game was chess, which he played to relax.
Lincoln enjoyed reciting humorous poetry to friends during downtime.
He declared martial law in parts of the country during the Civil War.
Lincoln’s cabinet nicknamed him “The Ancient One” for his wisdom.
He used humor as a way to disarm his political adversaries.
Lincoln once helped free a group of Native Americans wrongfully imprisoned.
He had a deep love for music and often attended operas.

Conclusion

Abraham Lincoln’s life is a testament to perseverance, leadership, and humanity.

These 145 fun facts highlight his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of America’s most celebrated presidents. Let his story inspire you to strive for greatness, no matter the odds.