10 Fascinating Facts You May Not Know About Lincoln

Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee

Abraham Lincoln isn't just celebrated as a historical figure but also for his prowess in wrestling. In his youth, he reportedly competed in nearly 300 matches, facing opponents of all sizes. Remarkably, he lost just once, earning a reputation for his long limbs and strength in the ring. His wrestling skills led to his induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, highlighting a side of him many Americans might overlook.

Lincoln's wrestling feats contributed to his larger-than-life persona while shaping his character. He was known not just for his physicality but also for his quick wit, even taunting foes in the ring with memorable phrases. This blend of brawn and brains resonated with the public, who appreciated both his humor and his vigor as a young competitor.

Lincoln’s wrestling days highlighted the values of sportsmanship, competition, and resilience. Despite the physical nature of the sport, he engaged in matches with a sense of honor and respect for his opponents. His attitude in the ring mirrored his approach to politics—a commitment to fairness and integrity, which Americans still admire today.

The discipline and determination Lincoln learned from wrestling laid the groundwork for his future leadership. Wrestling young Lincoln cultivated skills in negotiation and strategy that would later serve him well as he navigated the tumultuous waters of American politics during the Civil War. Today, his legacy as both a wrestler and a president endears him to fans of sports and history alike.

Creation of the Secret Service

On April 14, 1865, the United States witnessed a historic moment with the creation of the U.S. Secret Service, but tragically, it happened just hours before the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Originally formed to combat rampant counterfeiting, the agency was not intended to protect the president until many years afterward.

That very evening, while Lincoln enjoyed a night at Ford's Theatre, his life was cut short by John Wilkes Booth's bullet. Although the Secret Service's mission evolved to include presidential protection, it was not until 1901, in the wake of two additional presidential assassinations, that this function became a formal priority of the agency.

In a chilling postscript, Lincoln’s legacy intertwines with bandits long after his death. In 1876, a group of counterfeiters attempted to steal Lincoln’s body from Springfield, Illinois, aiming to ransom it for the release of their captured associate. The Secret Service, now tasked with protecting the federal government, successfully thwarted this bizarre criminal plot.

The Plot Behind Lincoln's Assassination

The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, was not a simple act of violence but part of a larger conspiracy to dismantle the federal government after the Civil War. John Wilkes Booth, a Southern sympathizer, led a group of co-conspirators intending to murder key political figures, thereby throwing the nation into chaos.

While Booth is the most infamous figure associated with the plot, he was not acting alone. Several individuals were involved, including Lewis Powell, who was tasked with killing Secretary of State William Seward, and George Atzerodt, who was meant to assassinate Vice President Andrew Johnson. Their plan aimed to decimate the leadership of the Union.

The conspirators' strategy relied on distraction and confusion. While Booth targeted Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre, the simultaneous attacks on Seward and Johnson were designed to create panic. This attempted decapitation of government proceeded under the assumption that such shock could reignite Southern rebellion and doom the Union’s reconstruction.

Lincoln’s assassination ultimately failed to achieve its intended result. Instead of chaos, his death galvanized public sentiment against the South, leading to a fierce commitment to Reconstruction policies. The conspirators faced swift justice, with several being captured, tried, and executed, marking a pivotal moment in American history.

Grave Robbers Target Lincoln's Corpse

In 1876, a gang of Chicago counterfeiters devised a shocking plan to steal Abraham Lincoln's body from its tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois. The plot aimed to hold the corpse for a ransom of $200,000, forcing the government to release the gang's imprisoned leader, a notorious counterfeiter.

At the time, Lincoln's tomb was guarded by only a simple padlock, making it an easy target for the desperate criminals. Unknown to the gang, Secret Service agents had infiltrated their ranks, putting in place a plan to thwart the brazen heist.

As the grave robbers attempted their audacious heist, the Secret Service moved swiftly to apprehend them, ensuring Lincoln's body remained undisturbed. Following the failed theft, Lincoln's remains were quietly relocated to an unmarked grave and later secured in a steel cage, reinforced by ten feet of concrete.

These dramatic events not only highlight the lengths to which criminals would go for riches but also underscore the enduring reverence held for Lincoln even after his death. His remains were ultimately protected, symbolizing the unwavering respect for one of America’s greatest leaders.

Edwin Booth's Heroic Act

Edwin Booth, a renowned actor of the 19th century and brother to the infamous John Wilkes Booth, became an unexpected hero in a moment of crisis. In 1863, Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of Abraham Lincoln, teetered dangerously close to a moving train. The treacherous situation could have turned fatal.

As crowds surged on the platform, young Robert fell into the gap between the train and the platform. Just as disaster loomed, Edwin Booth reached out, grasping Robert by the collar and pulling him back to safety. The young Lincoln recognized his rescuer immediately, a twist of fate that intertwined their families forever.

This extraordinary act of bravery contrasts sharply with Edwin's brother, John Wilkes Booth, who would later assassinate President Lincoln. The irony of saving the life of the president's son only to have his brother push the nation into mourning serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of fate and family.

Booth's heroic act would fade into the background of the historical narrative; however, it further entrenched the Booth family name into the fabric of American history. This incident not only speaks to Booth’s character but also highlights the fragile nature of life during a tumultuous era.

Lincoln: The Only Patent-Holding President

Abraham Lincoln holds a unique distinction among U.S. presidents: he is the only one to have obtained a patent. In 1849, he secured Patent No. 6,469 for a device designed to lift boats over shoals and obstructions in rivers. This involved hollow metal tubes attached to steamboats that could be inflated to assist navigation in shallow waters.

Lincoln's inventive spirit was ignited after he experienced a steamboat grounding incident. His passion for innovation and technology drove him to tinker and create a solution for issues faced by river vessels—a reflection of his keen insight and problem-solving skills that would later translate into leadership during the Civil War.

This patent highlights more than just Lincoln's ingenuity; it underscores his practical, hands-on approach to life. Despite his political responsibilities, he didn’t shy away from engaging in engineering and technology, embodying a blend of intellect and innovation. His curiosity and creativity remain an inspiration to many American innovators today, making his legacy not just about politics, but also about invention and perseverance.

Test-Firing Rifles in the Capital

Abraham Lincoln was not just a leader; he was also a passionate advocate for technological advancements during the Civil War. Known for his interest in gadgets, he personally evaluated military prototypes, often bringing inventors to the White House.

In a surprising twist for the era, Lincoln disregarded the standing order against firing weapons in Washington, D.C. He would often take to the grassy areas around the White House, known today as the Ellipse, to test-fire rifles and muskets himself. His hands-on tactics showcased his commitment to ensuring his troops had the best available weaponry.

Lincoln's involvement in direct weapons testing was more than just a fascination; it reflected broader strategic thinking. By examining the effectiveness of various firearms, he aimed to enhance the Union Army's combat readiness during one of America's most tumultuous periods. His actions contributed to advancements in military tactics still studied today.

Lincoln's willingness to engage actively in military affairs set a precedent for future commanders-in-chief. His unique blend of personal interest in technology and dedication to military effectiveness underscores the importance of innovation in leadership during wartime, influencing how presidents interact with military operations even in contemporary times.

Lincoln Under Fire at Fort Stevens

In July 1864, during the height of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln visited Fort Stevens, located just outside Washington, D.C. His presence on the battlefield was not merely ceremonial; he sought to gauge the military situation firsthand as Confederate forces threatened the capital.

As the battle raged on, Lincoln and his entourage found themselves dangerously exposed. At one point, Confederate gunfire whizzed by the president, prompting Colonel Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. to shout, “Get down, you fool!” A moment later, the president ducked, narrowly avoiding potential harm. This incident highlighted Lincoln's courage and commitment to his duties.

Lincoln's visit offered him invaluable insight into the conflict. He observed troop movements, listened to commanders, and assessed battle strategies, all while demonstrating a personal commitment to the Union cause. Such involvement underscored Lincoln’s hands-on leadership style during a critical juncture in American history.

While Lincoln returned to the safety of the White House unscathed, his visit to Fort Stevens symbolized his dedication to safeguarding the nation. His willingness to place himself in harm's way showcased both his bravery and the immense pressures he faced as commander-in-chief during America’s most tumultuous period.

Lincoln's Early Years in Indiana

Abraham Lincoln's formative years were spent in the rural landscape of southern Indiana, where he moved with his family at the age of seven. The Lincolns settled on a modest 160-acre farm in 1816, which profoundly shaped Abraham's character and values as he grew up amid the demanding conditions of frontier life.

Life in Indiana was rife with challenges. Young Lincoln often worked the fields, yet he maintained a lifelong thirst for knowledge. His education was sporadic; he had limited formal schooling but voraciously read any book he could find, which ignited his passion for learning and set the foundation for his future pursuits.

Tragedy struck when Lincoln was only nine years old. His beloved mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, died from milk sickness, a fatal condition caused by poisonous white snakeroot ingested by cows. This loss profoundly impacted young Abraham, strengthening his resilience and shaping his views on mortality and hardship.

Growing up in a close-knit community, Lincoln learned the value of empathy and hard work, which would later define his leadership style. The relationships he forged in Indiana helped him cultivate a deep understanding of the struggles faced by ordinary citizens, foreshadowing his commitment to equitable governance.

The Tragic Death of Lincoln's Mother

Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, passed away when he was just nine years old, leaving a profound impact on the future president. Her death in 1818 was attributed to “milk sickness,” a mysterious illness that had devastated families in southern Indiana. The cause, unknowingly to many at the time, was tainted milk from cows that had grazed on poisonous white snakeroot.

Nancy played a crucial role in shaping Lincoln’s character during his formative years. A devout woman, she instilled in him the values of education and hard work. Lincoln often credited his mother for nurturing his love for reading and learning, values that would stay with him throughout his life and later influence his leadership style.

Nancy Lincoln's untimely death left a void that Lincoln carried into adulthood. He often reflected on her nurturing spirit, considering his mother’s teachings and sacrifices when making monumental decisions in his life. This loss became a pivotal moment, reinforcing his resilience and determination to navigate the many challenges he would face as a leader during the Civil War.