Abraham Lincoln Facts For Kids
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States who served from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. He is one of the most famous and important figures in American history. Here are some interesting facts about Abraham Lincoln that kids would love to know.
1. Family and Childhood:
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin near Hodgenville, Kentucky. His father, Thomas Lincoln, was a farmer and his mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, passed away when he was only nine years old. He had an older sister named Sarah.
2. Education:
Lincoln didn’t have a formal education. He only attended school for less than a year. He taught himself how to read and became an avid reader. He was a self-taught lawyer and passed the bar exam in 1836.
3. The Great Emancipator:
Lincoln is famously known for signing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared that all slaves in Confederate territory were free. The proclamation paved the way for the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which officially abolished slavery.
4. The Gettysburg Address:
The Gettysburg Address is one of Lincoln’s most famous speeches. He delivered it on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It is regarded as one of the greatest speeches in American history.
5. Personal life:
Lincoln married Mary Todd in 1842, and they had four sons. Sadly, only one of their sons survived to adulthood. Lincoln was known to be a kind and loving father. He also loved animals, and his family kept many pets at the White House, including a turkey that his son Tad named Jack.
6. Unusual physical traits:
Lincoln was known for his unusual physical traits. He was 6 feet 4 inches tall, making him the tallest president in the history of the United States. He was known for his long arms and big feet. He also had a distinctive mole on his right cheek, which is visible in many of his portraits.
7. Assassination:
Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865, by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer. This tragic event occurred only days after the Confederate Army’s surrender, ending the American Civil War.
In conclusion, Abraham Lincoln was an important figure in American history, and his legacy continues to inspire people of all ages. Through his sacrifice and leadership, he helped shape the nation into what we know today.