February 12, 2024 – Abraham Lincoln

Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln! Today is our 16th president’s birthday. Lincoln was born in Kentucky, the first president not born in one of the original 13 states. He was largely self-educated, with just a few short stints in school. But he was an avid reader and had a lifelong interest in learning. In his younger years, Lincoln was an active wrestler, becoming county champion at the age of 21. He was defeated only one in around 300 matches, and he’s even in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
He eventually became a lawyer, Illinois state legislator, and U.S. congressman from Illinois, before becoming our first republican president in 1860. As president, Lincoln led the country through the Civil War, defending the nation as a constitutional union, defeating the Confederacy, abolishing slavery, and expanding the power of the federal government. His Gettysburg Address is the most well-known speech given by an English-speaking politician. Even though it was 272 words and 3 minutes long, it has become the most quoted speech in American history.
Just hours before his assassination in 1865, Lincoln signed the orders creating the Secret Service. Unfortunately, even if it had been created sooner, it wouldn’t have saved him. The original mission of the Secret Service was to combat counterfeit currency. The agency wasn’t assigned to protect the president until 1901, after 2 other presidents were killed. Speaking of, Lincoln’s son Robert (who was in Washington when his father was killed), was also present went President Garfield was shot in 1881 and when President McKinley was assassinated in 1901.
Lincoln is remembered as a national hero for his wartime leadership and his efforts to preserve the Union and abolish slavery. He’s often at the top of popular and scholarly polls as the greatest president in American history. Learn more here.