Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky on February 12, 1809 in a one-room log cabin, the first president born outside of the original 13 colonies. His parents were farmers and he spent much of his young life educating himself while working on his family’s land. Despite his obvious intelligence, Lincoln attended a formal school for only 18 months, but he read books constantly and was deeply invested in his education.
Due to land title issues, Lincoln moved with his father and step-mother to Illinois in 1830 where he started in politics at 23 in the Illinois state legislature. His political career soon blossomed and he headed to the U.S. House of Representatives and then The White House for two terms as President.
In 1860 he became the sixteenth president of the United States after running on an anti-slavery platform, accomplishing some of the most important acts in U.S. history like holding the nation together during the Civil War and abolishing slavery.
To test your knowledge of Abe and learn some more fun facts, check out the photos and videos below.
Fact: Lincoln, Nebraska was named after Abraham Lincoln.
Photo: (AP) This file portrait of President Abraham Lincoln dated Feb. 5, 1865 is on display at Washington's National Portrait Gallery
Fact: Lincoln was fascinated by combat and frequented battlefields, where he was famously warned to "get down," on one occasion.
Photo: (AP) This undated painting by Schapel shows Abraham Lincoln with his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, and their two sons, Robert Todd and Thomas Lincoln
Fact: Abe lost his first election at age 23.
Photo: (AP) President Abraham Lincoln is shown in a formal portrait, year unknown
Fact: Lincoln was buried in Springfield, Illinois.
Photo: (AP) The steps of the Lincoln Memorial
Fact: Lincoln suffered from malaria, frostbite and small pox at one point in life.
Photo: (AP) The statue of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington gets its annual spring bath
Fact: Abe Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, died of "the trembles," also known as milk sickness when he was only nine years old. People contracted milk sickness by drinking the milk of cows that had eaten a poisonous plant.
Photo: (AP) Abraham Lincoln impersonators