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.

Facts & quotes about Lincoln's Birthday

• Issued by Abraham Lincoln, the Emancipation Proclamation declared all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states to be freed. This led to almost 200,000 slaves to leave the South and serve the Union side.
• You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time - Abraham Lincoln
• Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe - Abraham Lincoln
• President Lincoln is known for leading the country during its bloodiest war and greatest political crisis, the American Civil War. His leadership during this time helped preserve the Union.

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