Abraham Lincoln is one of the greatest leaders America has ever produced. He rose from humble beginnings to become the 16th President of the US. Often referred to as the “Great Emancipator,” Lincoln’s life and achievements have received excellent and wide-ranging tributes from traditional and modern artists since the 1850s. Artwork Abode remembers this great legend on his 206th birth anniversary (February 12, 2015), and as a tribute to him, we have presented the key moments of his life, kudos to the respective artists who produced it. In other words, what you see below is an historical timeline of Lincoln’s life.

The Boyhood of Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln received periodic education as a child, walking 2 miles to a schoolhouse when he was off work from the family farm. Despite the lack of formal education, Lincoln read through books.

The Boyhood of Abraham Lincoln

Painting by Eastman Johnson

Lincoln’s the Rail-splitter

Lincoln’s first occupation was working in the family farm splitting timber for fence rails. By the time he was 17 years old, he had grown as tall as 6 feet and 4 inches.

 

Lincoln’s the Rail-splitter

Painting by J.L.G. Ferris

Lincoln’s Wedding

Abraham Lincoln married Mary Todd in 1842. She supported her husband’s political career as he emerged to become one of the most powerful political leaders in the country.

Lincoln’s Wedding

Lincoln’s Wedding

Lincoln’s Family Life

Family played an important role in the life of Abraham Lincoln. He was a devoted husband and a caring father. Mary and Lincoln had four sons, William, Tad, Robert, and Edward.

Lincoln’s Family Life

Lincoln’s Family Life

Lincoln as a Lawyer

Although Abraham Lincoln had no formal education, he became a lawyer under the provision of an 1833 Illinois law, which stated that one who wants to be a lawyer had to “obtain a certificate procured from the court of an Illinois county certifying to the applicant’s good moral character.”

Lincoln as a Lawyer

An 1849 painting of Lawyer Lincoln defending one of his clients

Lincoln and Politics

Lincoln was highly ambitious. In 1832, he ran for his first political office in Illinois. He did not win that campaign, but persevered for the next 30 years, finally becoming the President in 1961.

Lincoln and Politics

Artwork by Louis Maurer, Lithograph, Currier & Ives (1860)

Lincoln’s Run for US Presidency

In 1860, the Republican Party nominated Lincoln for president. He ran on the party platform, which sought to forbid the expansion of slavery.

Lincoln’s Run for US Presidency

Lincoln’s Run for US Presidency

Lincoln’s First Presidential Inauguration

The day when Lincoln was inaugurated as the 16th President of US, March 4, 1861, was a big day for him as well as America. His inaugural address was well-prepared for a nation in turmoil.

Lincoln’s First Presidential Inauguration

From a Drawing published in Harper’s Weekly, 1861

Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous “Gettysburg Address” on 19th November, 1863. In this, he stated, “That this Nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

Drafting the Emancipation Proclamation

In the summer of 1862, Abraham Lincoln began to draft the Emancipation Proclamation, which cracked down the institution of slavery. This painting presents President Lincoln in the Lincoln’s Cottage bedroom preparing the draft for this proclamation.

Drafting the Emancipation Proclamation

Drafting the Emancipation Proclamation

Presenting the Proclamation Draft

Lincoln viewed the Emancipation Proclamation as his proudest achievement. The painting below captures Lincoln with his cabinet presenting the first draft of the Proclamation.

Presenting the Proclamation Draft

Painting by Francis Carpenter (1864)

Lincoln’s Second Presidential Inauguration

Lincoln’s second inauguration as President in 1865 came just months after the 13th amendment was passed. This was the first US election in which African Americans were allowed to vote.

Lincoln’s Second Presidential Inauguration

Lincoln’s Second Presidential Inauguration

Lincoln’s Final Moments

Lincoln was shot dead while watching a play at Ford’s Theater on April 15, 1865. This original Harper’s Weekly painting presents a picture of his grand funeral in New York City.

Lincoln’s Final Moments

Lincoln’s Final Moments

An Undying Legacy

The legacy that Abraham Lincoln has left is one that will not be easily forgotten. If you wish to pay your tribute to this great leader, please do so by commenting below. Artwork Abode joins millions of his followers who are celebrating his Birthday on February 12, 2015.  Please feel free to share this article with your friends and relatives on social media with the share buttons.

– ArtworkAbode

Artwork Abode

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