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.
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 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 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 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 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’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 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 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.”
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.
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.
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 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.
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