Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was born on February 12, 1809. Lincoln's Birthday honors the man who led the country through the Civil War, issued the Emancipation Proclamation and gave the Gettysburg Address. Several states still observe it as a holiday, and it is often recognized alongside Presidents' Day, which falls on the third Monday in February.
History of Lincoln's Birthday
Lincoln was born in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. His family moved to Indiana and later Illinois. He had little formal schooling but read widely, worked as a rail-splitter and shopkeeper, and became a self-taught lawyer and state legislator.
Elected president in 1860, Lincoln took office as Southern states were seceding. He led the Union through the Civil War, issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, and delivered the Gettysburg Address the same year, a short speech that redefined the war as a struggle for freedom and equality. He supported the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, but was assassinated in April 1865, days after the war's main fighting ended.
After his death, communities began marking his birthday. It became a legal holiday in many states in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Lincoln's Birthday was never a federal holiday, but the federal Washington's Birthday holiday, moved to the third Monday in February in 1971, is popularly called Presidents' Day and often honors both men.
Why Lincoln's Birthday Matters
Lincoln's leadership during the nation's greatest crisis shaped the United States, and his words about equality and democracy are still quoted today.
His life story, from a frontier cabin to the presidency, remains an example of self-education and perseverance.
How to Celebrate Lincoln's Birthday
- Read the Gettysburg Address: it is only about 270 words long.
- Visit a Lincoln site: memorials and museums in Washington, D.C., Illinois and Kentucky.
- Learn about emancipation: read about the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment.
- Read a biography: choose one suited to your age group.
- Look at a penny or a $5 bill: both feature Lincoln.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, share a favorite Lincoln quote in a team message, or reflect on leadership lessons from his life, such as listening to opposing views. In classrooms, students can read and analyze the Gettysburg Address, compare primary sources from the Civil War era, or create a timeline of Lincoln's life. Younger students can build a log cabin from craft sticks and learn about frontier life. At home, families can read a picture-book biography together, visit a local Civil War memorial, or watch a documentary. Talking about why Lincoln's ideas about equality still matter can lead to meaningful conversations with older children.
Fun Facts About Lincoln's Birthday
- Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in Kentucky.
- The Gettysburg Address is about 270 words long.
- Lincoln's Birthday was never a federal holiday, but some states observe it.
Lincoln's Birthday FAQs
When is Lincoln's Birthday?
Lincoln's Birthday is February 12.
Is Lincoln's Birthday a federal holiday?
No, but some states observe it as a state holiday.
How is it related to Presidents' Day?
Presidents' Day, officially Washington's Birthday, is the third Monday in February and is often used to honor Lincoln too.
How long is the Gettysburg Address?
It is about 270 words long and takes around two minutes to read.