Abraham Lincoln History Timeline and Biographies

1809

Birth of Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in Hardin County, Kentucky. His early life was marked by poverty and limited formal education, but he developed a strong self-education ethic that would serve him throughout his life.

1830

Move to Illinois

In 1830, the Lincoln family moved to Illinois, where Abraham Lincoln began his career in politics and law. This relocation marked the beginning of his journey toward becoming a prominent political figure.

1832

First Political Campaign

In 1832, Abraham Lincoln ran for the Illinois State Legislature but was defeated. This experience did not deter him; instead, it fueled his ambition to pursue a career in politics.

1837

Becoming a Lawyer

Abraham Lincoln was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1837, establishing himself as a successful lawyer in Springfield, Illinois. His legal career helped him build a network that would later support his political aspirations.

1846

Election to Congress

In 1846, Lincoln was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a member of the Whig Party. His single term in Congress was marked by his opposition to the Mexican-American War, which he viewed as unjust.

1858

Lincoln-Douglas Debates

In 1858, Abraham Lincoln engaged in a series of debates against Senator Stephen A. Douglas while running for the Senate. These debates brought national attention to Lincoln and highlighted his views on slavery and democracy.

1860

Election as President

Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States on November 6, 1860. His election triggered a national crisis, leading to the secession of several Southern states from the Union.

1861

Inauguration and Start of the Civil War

Lincoln was inaugurated on March 4, 1861. Shortly thereafter, the Civil War began with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, marking a pivotal moment in Lincoln's presidency as he sought to preserve the Union.

1862

Emancipation Proclamation Drafted

In 1862, Abraham Lincoln began drafting the Emancipation Proclamation, which would declare the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory, significantly changing the war's moral and political landscape.

1863

Issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation

On January 1, 1863, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all enslaved people in the Confederate states were to be set free. This pivotal act transformed the Civil War into a fight for freedom.

1863

Gettysburg Address

On November 19, 1863, Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This speech emphasized the principles of human equality and the importance of preserving the Union.

1864

Re-election as President

In November 1864, Abraham Lincoln was re-elected as President, defeating Democratic candidate George B. McClellan. His re-election was seen as a mandate to continue fighting for the Union and the abolition of slavery.

1865

End of the Civil War and the 13th Amendment

The Civil War effectively ended in April 1865, and Lincoln pushed for the passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States, solidifying his commitment to freedom and equality.

1865

Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

On April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. He died the following day, marking a tragic end to his life and presidency.