Lincoln's Birthday

Lincoln's Birthday History

Lincoln’s Birthday is a significant national holiday in the United States, commemorating the birth of the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. It is a day that symbolizes the enduring legacy of a man who played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's history with his tireless efforts towards abolition of slavery and preservation of the Union.

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in Kentucky. His birthday is celebrated with various activities including civic commemorations, dramatic reenactments, and educational programs across the nation. School children often partake in events where they learn about Lincoln’s life, his contributions to the country, and his famed character traits such as honesty and integrity.

Lincoln’s Birthday is mainly observed in some states, not as a public holiday but as a day of recognition. Illinois, where Lincoln began his political career, officially celebrates it as a state holiday. U.S. Federal Government, however, has incorporated Lincoln’s Birthday into the Presidents' Day, which is celebrated annually on the third Monday of February, effectively combining the observance of Lincoln and George Washington's birthdays. Nonetheless, the true birth date of this historic figure, February 12, remains a day of reverence and celebration for the American people.

Top 8 Facts for Lincoln's Birthday in 2026

• Abraham Lincoln remains the only United States president to have ever received a patent, which was granted for a mechanical device he invented to lift boats over shoals and river obstructions.
• Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Lincoln was the tallest president in history and was an elite athlete who lost only one of approximately 300 matches before being inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
• On the very day of his assassination, Lincoln signed the legislation that created the Secret Service, though the agency's original mandate was to suppress currency counterfeiting rather than to provide presidential protection.
• For the upcoming America 250 celebrations in 2026, Gettysburg is preparing a real-time, immersive recreation of Lincoln's 1863 visit and the delivery of the Gettysburg Address.
• The 16th president was known for an eccentric filing system in which he stored important legal briefs, letters, and notes for speeches inside the lining of his iconic black stovepipe hat.
• Lincoln’s decision to grow his famous beard was inspired by an 1860 letter from an eleven-year-old girl named Grace Bedell, who suggested that a beard would improve his appearance and help him win the election.
• While he is most remembered for the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln also fundamentally shaped American culture by issuing the 1863 proclamation that established Thanksgiving as a permanent national holiday.
• The year 2026 will feature the 70th Annual Lincoln Tomb Ceremony in Springfield, an event that will also commemorate the 160th anniversary of the president's passing.

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