20+ Facts About Abraham Lincoln for Kids

On February 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born in a one-room log cabin on Nolin Creek in southeast Hardin County, Kentucky, making him the first president born in the western region. His parents, Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks, were farmers. In 1816, the family moved to Perry County, Indiana. Lincoln was nine when his mother died of milk sickness, and his father later married Sarah Bush Johnston, whom Lincoln lovingly called “Mother.” She encouraged his education. Abraham Lincoln became the 16th president of the United States, abolished slavery, and united the nation during the Civil War. These facts about Abraham Lincoln are also some of the greatest Abraham Lincoln facts for kids you’ll ever come across. So, what are you waiting for? Read on for some interesting and fun facts about Lincoln that you can tell your kids.

Who Was Abraham Lincoln?

Abraham Lincoln was an inspiring leader whose decisions changed American history and continue to teach us about courage and equality.

1. He was a self-made man

Abraham Lincoln received very limited formal education but that did not stop him from becoming a great leader and president of the country. His deep inclination towards books and learning helped him succeed, and he remains one of the most famous figures of all time. He was a self-taught man, and most of the knowledge he gathered was from borrowed books.

2. He was a storyteller

Abraham Lincoln was a gifted storyteller. People loved to hear his jokes. He also had an impeccable sense of anticipation. He once told his bodyguard that he dreamed of being assassinated—the very day he was shot.

3. His nickname was Honest Abe

The tallest president of the USA, Lincoln (6 feet 4 inches), had a nickname: Honest Abe.

When and Where Was He Born?

Learn when and where he was born, along with key details about his birthplace and historical background.

He was not born into a wealthy family

Abraham Lincoln was born in 1809 in Kentucky to Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln. They were very poor and lived in a log cabin. His father faced a series of misfortunes, so Lincoln’s childhood involved coping with poverty. His wife, Mary Todd, on the other hand, came from an affluent family whose parents initially opposed her marriage to him.

Childhood and Education

A person’s childhood and education lay the foundation for their character, skills, and lifelong learning journey.

1. He worked very hard

Regarding the early life of Abraham Lincoln, he was very inquisitive as a child and loved the outdoors. He helped his father on their farm and chopped firewood for neighbors.

2. He was a self-taught lawyer

Lincoln taught himself law, passed the bar exam in 1836, and moved to Springfield in 1837 to practice law.

3. He was very young when he entered politics

As a young man, Lincoln worked various jobs, including shopkeeper, postmaster, and surveyor, and earned a living by splitting firewood. He first won a seat in the Illinois Legislature at the age of 25.

Political Career

A political career involves active participation in governance, policymaking, and public service, aimed at representing people and shaping society.

1. He won the election to the US House of Representatives in 1846

Lincoln was elected to the US House of Representatives in 1846 and served for one term. He was unpopular for strongly opposing the Mexican-American War.

2. He started the National Banking System

In 1863, during Lincoln’s presidency, the first National Banking System was set up, creating a standard currency in the United States.

Civil War

A civil war occurs when groups within the same country fight for control, rights, or major political and social change.

1. He was a great leader during the Civil War

Lincoln led the country through the American Civil War. His leadership was admired in the North, keeping the Union united and encouraging citizens to remain strong and defeat the South. He also advanced the freedom of the slaves.

2. He set free all the slaves

Lincoln issued a preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, effective January 1, 1863, freeing slaves in states not under federal control. The law outlawing slavery was passed in 1865, after his death, as a constitutional amendment.

3. Emancipation was his greatest achievement

Although Lincoln’s main goal was preserving the Union, abolishing slavery became his greatest achievement.

Death

1. He was assassinated

Lincoln was assassinated in 1865 after completing his four-year term (1861–1865) as president. He was attending a play at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., when John Wilkes Booth shot him. Lincoln passed away the next day, on April 15.

2. Lincoln established the United States Secret Service

The legislation creating the Secret Service was on Lincoln’s desk the day he passed away. While it wasn’t fully operational at the time, its original mandate was to combat counterfeiting.

Interesting Abraham Lincoln Facts for Kids

Did you know Abraham Lincoln was once a wrestler and loved telling stories? Discover amazing facts about Honest Abe made just for kids.

1. He had four kids

Abraham Lincoln had four children named Robert, Edward, Willie, and Tad. Sadly, three of his children—Edward, Willie, and Tad—died at a young age due to illness. Only his eldest son, Robert Lincoln, lived to become an adult and have a long life.

2. Lincoln was the tallest among all US presidents

Abraham Lincoln was the tallest president in United States history, standing at an impressive 6 feet 4 inches tall. Because of his height, he often stood out in crowds and was easy to recognize. In contrast, the shortest president, James Madison, was almost a foot shorter than Lincoln.

3. Lincoln is the only US president to hold a patent

Abraham Lincoln is the only US president who ever held a patent for an invention. He received Patent No. 6469 in 1849 for a device designed to help boats float over shallow water. Although the invention was never built or sold, it showed Lincoln’s creativity and interest in solving problems.

4. The last undisputed descendant of Abraham Lincoln died in 1985

The last undisputed descendant of Abraham Lincoln was his grandson, Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith. He died childless on Christmas Eve in 1985. With his death, the direct family line of Abraham Lincoln officially came to an end.

5. Loud voice

Abraham Lincoln’s voice was high-pitched and reedy, not deep and booming as many people imagine. He spoke slowly and clearly, which helped listeners understand his ideas better. This speaking style made his speeches powerful and memorable, even though his voice sounded unusual.

6. He loved animals, especially cats

Lincoln was very kind to animals and had a soft spot for cats. He allowed cats to roam freely in the White House and often played with them. He believed kindness to animals showed good character.

7. He was a great wrestler

Before becoming president, Lincoln was famous for his strength and wrestling skills. He is said to have taken part in nearly 300 wrestling matches and lost only one. Because of this, he was later honored in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

8. He failed many times before becoming president

Lincoln lost several elections before finally becoming president of the United States. Instead of giving up, he kept learning from his failures and trying again. His story teaches kids the importance of perseverance and never giving up.

9. Lincoln Hated His Nickname “Abe”

Although often called Abe Lincoln, he truly detested this nickname. After he was elected, most people addressed him by his last name, Lincoln, Mr. Lincoln, or Mr. President, which he preferred. Even his wife, Mary, called him Mr. Lincoln.

FAQs

1. Did Abraham Lincoln ever turn down a chance to be rich or famous?

Yes, Abraham Lincoln often chose honesty and public service over making a lot of money. He preferred helping people and doing what was right rather than becoming rich or powerful. This is one reason people respected him so much.

2. Why did Abraham Lincoln keep personal items close to him at all times?

Lincoln liked to keep important papers, notes, and letters with him so they would not get lost. He often carried them in his pockets or inside his tall hat. This helped him stay organized while he worked.

3. Did Abraham Lincoln have any unusual habits that surprised people?

Yes, Lincoln liked to think deeply and often paced the room while talking or thinking. He also enjoyed telling stories to explain his ideas. People found his habits unusual but very memorable.

These are some of Abraham Lincoln’s cool facts for kids. The life history of Abraham Lincoln is an interesting one. His childhood struggles and how he emerged as one of the greatest leaders can be an inspiration for children. These Abraham Lincoln facts for kindergarten will also help your child learn about the former President of the USA and one of the world’s most famous personalities.

Infographic: 10 Interesting Facts About Abraham Lincoln for Kids

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