Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from 1861 until 1865. He was born in 1809 and is famous for leading the country during the Civil War and preserving the Union. He was also incredibly tall, standing at 6 feet 4 inches! This story shows kids that hard work leads to success.
Imagine going from splitting wood in the wilderness to leading an entire country! That’s the incredible journey of Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s most famous presidents.
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from 1861 until he was tragically assassinated in 1865. He was born on February 12, 1809, in a humble one-room log cabin in Kentucky. Despite coming from a poor background and having very little formal schooling—sometimes less than a year!—he loved to read and became a self-taught lawyer. Lincoln’s story shows that with hard work, anyone can achieve greatness!
Mira says:
"Wow, he grew up so poor but became president! I love how he studied by himself. It reminds me of that quote: 'The best way to predict your future is to create it.' That takes serious dedication!"
What Made Lincoln So Important in American History?
Abraham Lincoln is a huge deal because he led the United States during its darkest time: the American Civil War (1861–1865). The country was split right down the middle over big disagreements, especially about slavery.
Southern states felt they had the right to leave the United States and form their own country, called the Confederate States of America. President Lincoln believed it was his sacred duty to keep the country together—to preserve the Union!
But his role grew even bigger! Lincoln worked hard to end the terrible practice of slavery. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, which declared that enslaved people in the Confederate states were free.
Mind-Blowing Fact!
Lincoln was known as “Honest Abe” because he was known for being truthful and always paying back his debts!
How Tall Was the 16th President?
One of the first things people noticed about Lincoln was how incredibly tall he was! He wasn't just a little tall; he towered over almost everyone else.
He stood at an amazing 6 feet 4 inches tall. To put that in perspective, the average height for a man back then was closer to 5 feet 7 inches! That means Lincoln was about 9 inches taller than the average person!
To make himself even taller and help people see him during big speeches, he famously wore a tall black stovepipe hat! He sometimes even kept important papers tucked inside it!
(193 cm)
How Did Lincoln Become President?
Lincoln’s path to the White House was full of trying and failing, but he never gave up! This is a great lesson for us all.
He worked many jobs as a young man, like a shopkeeper and a postmaster, but he kept reading and studying law on his own time.
His political career started small. He was elected to the Illinois State Legislature starting in 1834, and later served a term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Big Debates and Winning the Election
In 1858, Lincoln ran for the U.S. Senate, losing to Stephen Douglas. However, their debates were so good that they made Lincoln famous across the whole country!
Just two years later, in 1860, he ran for President as the first candidate for the new Republican Party. He won the election, but so many Southern states didn't want him as president because he opposed slavery, they decided to leave the Union!
💡 Did You Know?
Lincoln was an amazing storyteller and loved telling jokes! People said he was a gifted orator, meaning he was a wonderful public speaker who could inspire people with his words.
🎯 Quick Quiz!
What famous document did Abraham Lincoln issue that declared many enslaved people free?
Why is Lincoln Remembered as a Hero?
Lincoln is remembered as a hero because he held the country together when it seemed like it would break apart forever. He fought the brutal Civil War and won, keeping the United States one nation.
His second goal was to make sure slavery was completely gone, which happened with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, passed just before his death.
Sadly, his life was cut short. Just days after the war ended, on April 14, 1865, he was shot by an assassin named John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre. He died the next morning.
- He is one of only four presidents carved onto Mount Rushmore!
- He was the first U.S. President to be assassinated (killed while in office).
- He was a champion wrestler in his younger days and has a place in the Wrestling Hall of Fame!
- His famous words in the Gettysburg Address include the idea of a government 'of the people, by the people, for the people.'
Abraham Lincoln believed deeply in the idea of America as a land of opportunity, proving that a boy born in a log cabin could rise to become the most powerful leader in the nation. His commitment to freedom and unity makes his story truly unforgettable for kids learning about history today!
Questions Kids Ask About American History
Keep Exploring Lincoln's Legacy!
From splitting rails to leading the nation through a war, Abraham Lincoln’s life is full of lessons about perseverance and doing what is right. Keep reading and listening to history stories to find out how more amazing people shaped the world we live in!
