Abraham Lincoln

1809-1865

Ended slavery and preserved the Union

Published: September 16, 2025

Would you try to save a country if it was breaking in two? Abraham Lincoln did exactly that. Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States during the 1860s. Born in 1809, he grew up poor in a log cabin, taught himself to read, and became a lawyer. As president he faced the Civil War (1861-1865) and his main job was to keep the nation together.

People called him 'Honest Abe' because he valued truth and fairness. His most important actions changed the course of history. In 1863 Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that enslaved people in Confederate states should be free. That order did not free everyone at once, but it changed the goal of the war and gave hope to millions.

He also gave the Gettysburg Address - a short, powerful speech about equality and a government 'of the people, by the people, for the people.' After the war, the 13th Amendment was passed, and slavery was ended across the whole country. Because of Lincoln, the United States stayed one nation and moved closer to freedom for more people. He liked telling stories, sometimes wore a tall stovepipe hat, and is remembered on the penny, the five-dollar bill, and at Mount Rushmore. For a 10-year-old, Lincoln is a clear example that courage, honesty, and ideas can change history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Abraham Lincoln die?

He was shot by actor John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre and died the following morning.

Was Lincoln married and did he have children?

He married Mary Todd Lincoln. They had four sons; only Robert Todd Lincoln survived to adulthood.

How tall was Abraham Lincoln?

Lincoln was very tall for his time — about 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm).

What jobs and public offices did he hold before becoming president?

He worked odd jobs like rail‑splitting and storekeeping, served in the Illinois legislature and one term in the U.S. House, and practiced law.

Did Lincoln have any notable hobbies or talents?

He enjoyed reading and debate, had a sharp wit, and in his youth was an accomplished wrestler with only one recorded defeat.

Why did Lincoln grow a beard?

After a young girl named Grace Bedell suggested whiskers would help his appearance, he grew a beard before the 1860 campaign.

What other major laws did he sign as president?

He signed laws like the Homestead Act, the Pacific Railway Act, and the Morrill Land‑Grant Act that encouraged settlement, railroads, and colleges.

Where can people visit places that honor Lincoln today?

Notable sites include the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., his home in Springfield, Illinois, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.