With today, April 14th, being the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination (he ultimately passed away on the following day, April 15th) we wanted to share some interested and unique facts about the 16th President of the United States.
Abraham Lincoln had an unusually high-pitched voice
Abraham Lincoln’s high-pitched voice was distinctive and memorable to those who heard him speak. It is said that his voice had a nasal quality and could be somewhat shrill at times, leading some to describe it as “unpleasant.” However, Lincoln was a skilled public speaker and was able to use his voice effectively to communicate his ideas and connect with his audience.
Despite his somewhat unusual voice, Lincoln was known for his powerful and eloquent speeches. His address at Gettysburg, for example, is considered one of the greatest speeches in American history. It is said that Lincoln wrote and revised the speech carefully, practicing it several times before delivering it at the battlefield cemetery.
Lincoln’s voice has been a subject of much discussion and debate among historians and linguists. Some have speculated that his high-pitched voice may have been due to a speech impediment or a physical deformity. However, there is no concrete evidence to support these claims, and it is likely that Lincoln’s voice was simply a product of his unique vocal cords and speaking style.
Abraham Lincoln was the tallest US President
Abraham Lincoln was the tallest U.S. president, standing at 6’4″. His height was a noticeable physical characteristic, as he towered over most of his contemporaries. In fact, Lincoln’s height was one of the reasons he stood out during his presidential campaign, as he was often described as a “giant” or a “colossus” by those who saw him in person.
Lincoln’s height was even more impressive when one considers that the average height of men in the mid-19th century was only around 5’7″. This means that Lincoln was almost a foot taller than the average man of his time. In addition to his height, Lincoln was also known for his long arms and legs, which gave him an awkward and ungainly appearance when he walked or sat down.
Despite his towering height, Lincoln was a relatively thin man, weighing only around 180 pounds for most of his adult life. This gave him a somewhat lanky and gaunt appearance, which was further accentuated by his trademark stovepipe hat.
Abraham Lincoln was a big fan of William Shakespeare
Abraham Lincoln was a great admirer of the works of William Shakespeare and often quoted from his plays in his speeches and conversations. According to his friends and associates, Lincoln was a lifelong fan of Shakespeare and considered him to be one of the greatest writers in the English language.
Lincoln’s interest in Shakespeare began when he was a young man, and he is said to have read the complete works of Shakespeare multiple times throughout his life. He was particularly fond of Shakespeare’s histories, which he believed provided valuable insights into the political and social issues of the day. He also enjoyed the poetry and language of Shakespeare’s plays, which he found to be both beautiful and profound.
Throughout his political career, Lincoln often used quotations from Shakespeare to help illustrate his points and make his speeches more memorable. Perhaps his most famous use of Shakespearean language came in his Gettysburg Address, where he described the Civil War as a “great task” that would test whether a “government of the people, by the people, for the people” could endure. This language, which echoes the closing lines of Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet,” has become one of the most famous phrases in American history.
Lincoln’s love of Shakespeare was not merely a personal interest, but also a reflection of his belief in the power of literature and the arts to shape and inspire the human spirit. He saw in Shakespeare a mirror of the human experience and a guide to the complexities of life and politics.
Abraham Lincoln suffered from depression throughout his life
Abraham Lincoln struggled with depression and melancholia throughout his life. He experienced numerous episodes of what he called “melancholy” or “the hypo” – a state of deep sadness and despair that left him feeling hopeless and disconnected from the world around him. These episodes could last for days or even weeks at a time, and they often left Lincoln physically and emotionally exhausted.
The exact causes of Lincoln’s depression are not known, but they may have been related to several factors, including his difficult childhood, his struggles with poverty and financial instability, and the stress and trauma of his political career. Some historians have also suggested that Lincoln’s depression may have been related to a genetic predisposition or a biochemical imbalance in his brain.
Despite his struggles with depression, Lincoln was able to persevere and achieve great things in his life. He learned to manage his condition through a variety of coping mechanisms, including exercise, writing, and spending time with friends and family. He also found solace in his work as a lawyer and politician, which allowed him to channel his energy and focus on making a positive impact in the world.
Abraham Lincoln had a pet turkey that ultimately received the presidential pardon
Abraham Lincoln had a pet turkey named Jack, which he famously spared from the Thanksgiving table. According to legend, Lincoln’s young son, Tad, had grown attached to the bird and begged his father to let him keep it as a pet. Lincoln, who was known for his kindness and love of animals, agreed to let the turkey stay, and it soon became a beloved fixture of the White House.
Jack was allowed to roam freely around the White House grounds and was known to follow Lincoln around like a loyal companion. He was reportedly very intelligent and would respond to his name when called. He was also said to have a mischievous streak, occasionally stealing pens, and other items from Lincoln’s desk.
Jack remained a beloved pet of the Lincoln family throughout their time in the White House. When it came time for Thanksgiving, Lincoln reportedly issued a presidential pardon for the turkey, sparing him from the dinner table and allowing him to live out the rest of his days in peace.
Abraham Lincoln was an incredible writer
Abraham Lincoln was an excellent writer and is widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of all time. He was a prolific writer and penned numerous speeches, letters, and other documents throughout his career.
Perhaps Lincoln’s most famous piece of writing is the Gettysburg Address, which he delivered in November 1863 at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The speech, which is only 272 words long, is considered one of the greatest examples of American oratory and is revered for its simple yet powerful language and its profound message of freedom and equality.
In addition to the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln was also known for his powerful and eloquent speeches on a wide range of topics, from politics and government to religion and morality. He was a skilled and persuasive speaker, able to use his words to inspire and motivate his audience and to win over even his staunchest opponents.
Abraham Lincoln was born into poverty and struggled financially in his early life
Abraham Lincoln was born into poverty and spent much of his early life struggling to make ends meet. He was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin on Sinking Spring Farm in Hardin County, Kentucky. His parents, Thomas, and Nancy Lincoln, were farmers who owned very little property and had few resources to support their family.
When Lincoln was only seven years old, his family moved to a new farm in Indiana, where they faced even greater economic hardship. The family lived in a small, one-room cabin and had to work hard to clear the land and cultivate crops. Lincoln and his siblings were responsible for many of the farm chores, and they often went hungry due to a lack of food.
Despite his difficult upbringing, Lincoln was a bright and ambitious young man who was determined to improve his circumstances. He was an avid reader and spent much of his free time studying books and newspapers. He also taught himself the basics of law and politics, and he quickly gained a reputation as a talented and skilled speaker.
In 1830, Lincoln moved to Illinois, where he continued to work as a laborer and store clerk while pursuing his political ambitions. He quickly became involved in local politics, serving as a member of the state legislature and eventually winning election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1846.
Abraham Lincoln was a big fan of fruits, with apples holding a special place for him
Abraham Lincoln’s favorite food was fruit, and he was known to carry apples in his pockets. He enjoyed a wide variety of fruits, including apples, grapes, and peaches, and he believed that eating fruit was an important part of maintaining good health.
According to historical accounts, Lincoln was particularly fond of apples and would often snack on them throughout the day. He was known to carry apples in his pockets and would offer them to others as a sign of friendship or goodwill. He also enjoyed eating apple pie and was said to have a sweet tooth when it came to desserts.
Lincoln’s love of fruit may have been related to his interest in healthy living and physical fitness. He was a skilled wrestler in his youth and remained physically active throughout his life, believing that exercise was an important part of staying healthy and alert. He also avoided alcohol and tobacco, believing that they were harmful to the body and mind.
Abraham Lincoln was the first US President to appear on a US coin
Abraham Lincoln was the first U.S. president to be depicted on a coin. He appeared on the U.S. penny, which was first issued in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth.
The design of the Lincoln penny was created by sculptor Victor David Brenner, who won a competition to design the coin. The front of the penny features a portrait of Lincoln, while the back shows two wheat ears flanking the words “ONE CENT” and the year of issue.
The introduction of the Lincoln penny was a significant event in American coinage, as it marked the first time that a president had been depicted on a circulating U.S. coin. The penny was also significant because it featured a new design that departed from the traditional allegorical motifs that had been used on previous U.S. coins.
Abraham Lincoln had a witty sense of humor and was a known storyteller
Abraham Lincoln was known for his sharp wit, sense of humor, and storytelling abilities. He was a gifted raconteur who could hold an audience spellbound with his tales of frontier life, political shenanigans, and personal experiences.
Lincoln’s sense of humor was characterized by its warmth, kindness, and gentle irony. He enjoyed poking fun at himself and others, and he had a particular knack for defusing tense or awkward situations with a well-timed quip or joke. He was also known for his ability to find humor in even the most difficult of circumstances, and his ability to use humor as a tool for healing and reconciliation.
Lincoln was also a master storyteller, and he had a seemingly endless supply of tales to share with those around him. His stories ranged from folksy anecdotes about life on the frontier to more sophisticated tales about politics, morality, and human nature. He had a gift for weaving together disparate elements into a cohesive and compelling narrative, and his stories were often imbued with a deep sense of wisdom and insight.
Abraham Lincoln has a special fondness for cats
Abraham Lincoln was a well-known animal lover, and he had a particular fondness for cats. According to historical accounts, Lincoln was a cat lover from a young age and would often bring stray cats home to care for them.
Lincoln’s love of cats continued throughout his life, and he is said to have kept several cats as pets during his time in the White House. One of his favorite cats was named Tabby, and he reportedly doted on her, playing with her and feeding her from the table.
Lincoln’s affection for cats was unusual for his time, as cats were not as popular or well-loved as they are today. Many people viewed cats as pests or vermin and did not see them as suitable pets. However, Lincoln saw something special in cats, and he believed that they were intelligent, independent creatures who deserved love and care.
Abraham Lincoln was an accomplished wrestler earlier in his life
Abraham Lincoln was a skilled wrestler in his youth and was known for his physical strength and agility. According to historical accounts, Lincoln developed an early interest in wrestling as a teenager, and he quickly became known for his prowess on the wrestling mat.
Lincoln’s wrestling style was characterized by his long arms and legs, which allowed him to quickly maneuver his opponents and gain the upper hand. He was also known for his quick reflexes and his ability to anticipate his opponent’s moves.
Lincoln’s wrestling career reached its peak in 1831, when he challenged Jack Armstrong, the leader of a notorious gang of wrestlers, to a match. The match, which took place in New Salem, Illinois, was a fierce and grueling contest that lasted for several hours. In the end, Lincoln emerged victorious, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow wrestlers.
Abraham Lincoln suffered with chronic back problems throughout his life
Abraham Lincoln struggled with chronic back problems throughout his life, and his condition was a significant source of pain and discomfort. His back pain was likely related to a combination of factors, including his height, his tendency to carry heavy loads, and his somewhat awkward gait.
Lincoln’s back problems first emerged when he was in his youth, and he was known to suffer from occasional bouts of pain and discomfort throughout his adult years. However, his condition became more severe in the years leading up to his presidency, and he began to experience frequent and debilitating episodes of pain that left him bedridden for days at a time.
Despite his back problems, Lincoln was able to maintain an active and productive life. He developed a variety of coping mechanisms to manage his pain, including exercise, stretching, and the use of supportive clothing and furniture. He was also known to use a special rocking chair that allowed him to shift his weight and relieve pressure on his back.
Lincoln’s back problems were a significant challenge during his presidency, and they often left him physically and emotionally exhausted. However, he refused to let his condition interfere with his work, and he continued to lead the nation with great determination and resolve.
Abraham Lincoln had premonitions of his assassination
Abraham Lincoln had several dreams throughout his life that some have interpreted as prophetic or premonitions of his assassination. One of his most famous dreams occurred in the days leading up to his death.
According to historical accounts, Lincoln had a vivid dream in which he entered the White House and heard mournful sounds coming from a room upstairs. When he climbed the stairs to investigate, he found a room draped in black and guarded by soldiers. Inside the room, he saw a casket and a body, which he believed was his own.
After this dream, Lincoln became increasingly preoccupied with thoughts of his own mortality. He told several friends and associates about the dream, and he even discussed the possibility of assassination with his wife and others close to him.
In addition to this dream, Lincoln had several other dreams throughout his life that some have interpreted as prophetic or symbolic. For example, he reportedly dreamed of his own death on several occasions, and he once dreamed of his own reflection in a mirror, which he interpreted as a sign of impending death.
Abraham Lincoln’s mother died at an early age
Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, died when he was only nine years old. Her death had a profound impact on Lincoln and shaped many of his attitudes and beliefs throughout his life.
Nancy Hanks Lincoln was born into poverty in Virginia and married Thomas Lincoln when she was in her late teens. The couple settled in Kentucky and had three children, including Abraham. However, Nancy died when Abraham was only nine years old, leaving him to be raised by his father and stepmother.
Lincoln’s mother’s death was a significant trauma for him, and it left a deep emotional scar that stayed with him throughout his life. He later wrote that he had “loved her tenderly” and that her death had been “the bitterest agony” of his life.
Abraham Lincoln’s famous stovepipe hats were used for more than just a fashion statement
Abraham Lincoln was known for his distinctive stovepipe hats, which became an iconic symbol of his presidency. Lincoln was said to have owned several such hats, which he wore on formal occasions and public appearances.
Lincoln’s stovepipe hats were not only a fashion statement, but they also served a practical purpose. Lincoln was known to use his hats as a storage space for important items, such as documents, letters, and even his spectacles. He would often tuck these items into the lining of his hat, where they would be safe and easily accessible.
According to historical accounts, Lincoln’s use of his hat as a storage space was a reflection of his practical and resourceful nature. He was known for his ability to make do with what he had and to find creative solutions to difficult problems. His use of his hat as a storage space was a prime example of this resourcefulness and ingenuity.
Abraham Lincoln’s wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, came from a slave-owning family
Abraham Lincoln’s wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, came from a wealthy slaveholding family in Kentucky. While there is no evidence that Mary Todd Lincoln herself owned slaves, her family did own slaves, and she was raised in an environment where slavery was accepted and normalized.
Despite her family’s slaveholding background, Mary Todd Lincoln was an outspoken advocate for abolition and worked to promote the cause of freedom throughout her life. She was deeply committed to the cause of civil rights and believed in the importance of equal treatment for all people, regardless of race or ethnicity.
However, Mary Todd Lincoln’s views on slavery and race were often overshadowed by her personal struggles and her troubled relationship with her husband. She was known for her temperamental nature and her tendency to engage in public outbursts and emotional displays. Her behavior often drew criticism and ridicule from the press and the public, and it contributed to a negative image of her in the popular imagination.
Abraham Lincoln was the first US President to be assassinated
Abraham Lincoln was the first president of the United States to be assassinated. On April 14, 1865, just days after the end of the Civil War, Lincoln was attending a play at Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C. when he was shot by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer.
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln shocked the nation and sent waves of grief and anger across the country. Lincoln was a beloved and revered figure, and his death was seen as a tragic loss for the nation at a time when it was still recovering from the wounds of the Civil War.
The aftermath of Lincoln’s assassination was marked by a massive manhunt for Booth and his accomplices, as well as a period of national mourning and reflection. Booth was eventually tracked down and killed by Union soldiers, and several of his co-conspirators were tried and executed for their role in the plot.
Since Lincoln’s assassination, only three other US Presidents were assassinated. This included James A. Garfield (July 2nd, 1881), William McKinley (September 6th, 1901) and John F. Kennedy (November 22nd, 1963).
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