10 Fun Facts about Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln’s fascination with books started at a young age, and he often walked several miles to borrow books from neighboring towns.

Lincoln was a skilled wrestler and only lost one fight out of approximately 300 matches.

Before becoming President, Lincoln worked as a postmaster, storekeeper, and surveyor.

Lincoln was the first President to use the telegraph regularly, allowing him to communicate with his generals more efficiently during the Civil War.

He was the tallest President in American history, standing at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall.

Lincoln kept important documents and personal items inside his signature stovepipe hat.

Despite being known for his honesty, Lincoln was a skilled storyteller and loved to entertain his guests with humorous anecdotes.

Lincoln’s dog, Fido, was the first presidential pup to be photographed.

Lincoln’s handwriting was unique and distinct, with slanted letters resembling the style modern-day calligraphy.

Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address speech was just 272 words long and took him only a few minutes to deliver.

As President, Lincoln issued an executive order declaring Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863.

Lincoln was the first President to wear a beard, growing it after receiving advice from an 11-year-old girl who stated it would help him look better.

Lincoln’s favorite food was chicken fricassee, a dish made with chicken and thick gravy.

10 Fun Facts about Abraham Lincoln part 2

As a young man, Lincoln owned a general store but struggled financially, eventually leaving him with a significant amount of debt.

Lincoln was known for his strong sense of humor and often used witty remarks to diffuse tense situations.

Despite being self-taught, Lincoln had a great passion for learning and was an avid reader throughout his life.

Lincoln was proficient in playing the harmonica and often carried one in his pocket to entertain friends and colleagues.

Lincoln served only one term in the House of Representatives but left a significant impact, particularly for his vocal opposition to the Mexican-American War.

Lincoln’s iconic top hat was used by him as a storage spot for notes, letters, and even important documents during important speeches.

Lincoln was an animal lover and had several pets, including a horse named Old Bob and a pet turkey named Jack.

Lincoln loved to spend time with his son Tad and would often join him in playing games and building toy forts in the White House.

The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by Lincoln, declared freedom for slaves in the Confederacy, but not in the Union states.

Lincoln had a deep love for Shakespeare’s work and was often seen quoting his plays during conversations.

Lincoln was an accomplished trial lawyer before entering politics, winning several prominent cases throughout his career.

Lincoln was the first President to be assassinated, shot by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.

Lincoln’s hat size was 7?, which was considered quite large even compared to today’s standards.

The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. features a statue of Lincoln sitting in a chair with his right hand forming an A and his left hand forming an L in sign language.

Lincoln was ambidextrous, able to write and perform tasks with both hands equally well.

The Lincoln penny, featuring his portrait, has been in circulation since 1909, making it one of the longest-running coin designs in U.S. history.

Lincoln had a dream, a few days before his assassination, which he believed foretold his death.

Lincoln had a habit of pardoning turkeys during Thanksgiving, a tradition that continues to this day.

Lincoln was an advocate for women’s rights, supporting the movement for women’s suffrage and granting them more opportunities in government positions.

Lincoln’s nickname was Honest Abe, a testament to his reputation for integrity and honesty.

Lincoln had an interest in engineering and even designed a system to help ships avoid getting stuck in shallow waters.

Lincoln had a strong belief in the importance of education and signed the Morrill Act, which established land-grant universities across the United States.

Lincoln was known for his deep, resonant voice, which commanded attention even during large public speeches.

Lincoln was an avid user of his pocket watch, relying heavily on it to stay on schedule during his busy days as President.

Lincoln’s wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, was known for her eccentric behavior and often created drama during social gatherings.

Lincoln was one of the few Presidents to have patents. One of his inventions, a device to buoy boats over shoals, was never produced commercially.

Lincoln’s face appears on both the U.S. five-dollar bill and on Mount Rushmore alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt.

Lincoln once wrote a letter to his son’s teacher, insisting that he should teach algebra instead of focusing solely on arithmetic.

Lincoln suffered from depression throughout his life, which led to his introspective nature and bouts of melancholy.

Despite growing up in poverty, Lincoln advocated for policies and reforms to uplift the working class and improve social conditions.

Lincoln’s assassination on April 14, 1865, occurred only a few days after Robert E. Lee’s surrender, signifying the end of the Civil War.

Lincoln’s legacy as a leader and his commitment to preserving the Union and abolishing slavery continue to inspire people around the world.