Abraham Lincoln grew up in a tiny log cabin and had almost no schooling — but he loved books so much that he walked miles to borrow them. That farm boy became one of the greatest American presidents and helped end slavery.
Quick facts
- Born
- 12 February 1809, Kentucky, USA
- Died
- 15 April 1865, Washington, D.C.
- Famous for
- Being the 16th U.S. president
- Big act
- Helping to end slavery
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Honest Abe
Lincoln taught himself to read by firelight and grew up known for being so honest that people called him "Honest Abe." He worked many jobs before becoming a lawyer and then a leader.
A divided country
When Lincoln became president, America was splitting apart over slavery. A terrible war began between the states, and Lincoln worked tirelessly to hold the country together.
Freedom for all
Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, a giant step toward freeing enslaved people. In his famous Gettysburg Address, he reminded everyone that all people are created equal.
"Whatever you are, be a good one." — Abraham Lincoln
Why we remember him
Lincoln showed that honesty and courage can guide a nation through its hardest days. Like Mahatma Gandhi, he believed deeply in fairness and freedom for every person.