Today we celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s 205th birthday, and remember him as one of the most influential presidents to ever hold a seat in office. Our 16th president of the United States Mr. Honest Abe was born in the wilderness country of Hardin County, Kentucky on February 12, 1809. Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd, were married November 4, 1842 and had four boys, Thomas, William, Edward, and Robert Todd. He became president in 1861 and although he hated war, he was drawn into it as he believed it was the only way to save the nation after the southern states declared their secession from the Union. Lincoln served as president during the civil war and successfully saved the Union. He also wrote the Emancipation Proclamation that ended slavery in the U.S. forever, as well as The Gettysburg Address which memorialized the bloodiest and most important battle of the Civil War. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address was seen as an important turning point for the war, but shortly after the war ended, Abraham Lincoln became the first U.S. President to be assassinated. He was shot and mortally wounded on Good Friday, April 14, 1865 by John Wilkes Booth in Ford’s Theater.
Abraham Lincoln was a kind, loving, man who was fully devoted to his wife, family, and country. He is the tallest president America has ever had and arguably one of the best. With his signature top hat and stern demeanor, Lincoln was able to deliver the country out of turmoil and leave his mark on the White House. It’s Honest Abe’s 205th Birthday! Let’s all wish him a good one.
Happy Happy Birthday Mr. Lincoln!
(Photograph courtesy of Missouri History Museum)
(Featured image courtesy of Harper Academic)
