Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) 16th president of the United States (1861-1865)

Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky on February 12, 1809. When he was seven, he moved with his family to Gentryville, Indiana. His mother died in 1819, and his family moved to Macon County, Illinois in 1830. Unlike his family, Abe learned to read.

Lincoln's political career began in 1832 when he lost an election for the Illinois state legislature. Nevertheless, he was elected on the Whig ticket and served in the lower house from 1834-1842. In 1837, Lincoln passed the Illinois Bar and became a lawyer (he taught himself law). He became partner in a law firm in Springfield. Five years later, Lincoln married Mary Todd, and the couple had four sons. Lincoln's reputation as a skillful lawyer grew, and in 1846, he was appointed to the House of Representatives. He gained further recognition for his opposition to slavery. In 1856, he campaigned for the new Republican Party. He became their senatorial candidate and ran against Stephen Douglas. Although he lost, Lincoln's gained further recognition for his oration skills during the famous Lincoln - Douglas debates.

In 1860, Lincoln was nominated for president by the Republican party on a platform opposing slavery. He defeated Douglas, John C. Breckinridge, and John Bell. As a result of Lincoln's victory, and his views concerning slavery and states rights, South Carolina seceded from the Union, as did ten other southern states. Lincoln was a staunch opponent of the institution of slavery and was against the spread of slavery into new or federal territories.

As a result of secession, the Civil War ensued. Although Lincoln lost eleven states to the Confederacy, he campaigned successfully in keeping four border states from seceding. Lincoln's singular goal was to preserve the Union at all costs. The first battle took place in Fort Sumter, South Carolina. On September 5, 1862, shortly after the Battle of Antietam, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all slaves from the southern states as of January 1, 1863. While many believe the Emancipation Proclamation was issued as a condemnation on slavery, Lincoln himself explained it was tactical decision designed to weaken the economy of the southern states. Proceeding speeches, such as his Gettysburg Address, are among the most well-known in American history.

As a result of his leadership during The Civil War, Lincoln was reelected in 1864. Soon after, the southern states (The Confederacy) surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia, and The Civil War was over. Five days after the surrender, John Wilkes Booth (a southern sympathizer) shot Lincoln at Ford's Theater, Washington, D.C. He died April, 10th 1865.

Many historians believe that Abraham Lincoln's leadership and wisdom ultimately saved the Union. Today, Abraham Lincoln remains one of the most beloved figures in American history. Towns, counties, highways, corporations and monuments bear his name. He is honored on the United States penny and five dollar bill.