10 Surprising Lincoln Anecdotes You Probably Never Knew: Uncovering the Life of America’s 16th President
Abraham Lincoln, a name synonymous with unity, justice, and freedom, is one of the most revered figures in American history. Behind his larger-than-life image, there are countless little-known tales about his fascinating life. Here we bring you ten of the most intriguing Lincoln anecdotes you might not have heard before.
1. The Mystery Man Behind Lincoln’s Hairstyle
Lincoln’s signature stovepipe hat was not a choice of fashion, but necessity. As a young train conductor, he needed long hair to shield his eyes from coal soot and splinters. However, his hair kept getting in his way when he donned headgear. He had to shave his head, which led to a deal with a barber: Lincoln would pay for haircuts every two weeks as long as his hair grew in a style that could tuck behind the nap of his hats.
2. Self-Taught Lawyer
Although admitted to the bar, Lincoln did not attend law school. He was largely self-taught, with about 1.25 years of formal education. His average report card in school was a C+, but his intellect was evident in his partnership with a seasoned lawyer, John Todd Stuart, upon moving to Springfield, Illinois.
3. The Rail-Splitter’s Tall Tale
This famous image of Lincoln as a rugged frontier woodcutter is not entirely accurate. According to his wife Mary, Lincoln would often put on the ‘rail-splitter’ clothes and pose for photographs when it served him politically.
4. Lincoln’s Proclivity for Soap Operas
Lincoln famously enjoyed sitting in his front porch listening to a newspaper woman read aloud "the best stories in the paper." Often these were irreverent stories about politicians and congress – American’s first soap operas, so to speak.
5. The Emancipator was a Name-Generator
During the height of Lincoln’s political career, supporters often approached him asking if he would consider nominations for professions or awards. To avoid offending anyone, Lincoln would randomly draw from a list of names prepared by his secretary, John Hay.
6. The Inaugural Ball Lincoln Never Attended
Despite being a President hosting multiple inaugural balls, Lincoln reportedly never attended one of them in person, although he was known to enjoy lively dancing and music.
7. The Invisible Bridge of Lincoln
Lincoln used to sit quietly on his balcony in the White House, watching soldiers on just-completed wooden bridges over the Potomac River before their official opening. Knowing the element of surprise was a welcome break for many, yet he never got to reveal his act publicly.
8. The Baseball Player-Coach
Even though his presidency was consumed by the Civil War, Lincoln made time for sports, particularly baseball. He loved to play and watch the game as much as his predecessors.
9. The President’s Bald Conceit
To disguise his conspicuous, round bald head, Lincoln often wore top hats, but when he wore a flat-topped one, as history suggests, it was to secure that important stoop, conferring the distinctly presidential look.
10. Lincoln Slept in the White House with an Ivory-Handled Cane
A cane, gifted to Lincoln after he was shot at an event in Maryland, was reportedly always by his side. Even in his sleep at the White House, it often rested nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How old was Lincoln when he started working?
A: Lincoln started working at a young age, around 12, as a labourer, farm hand, and later, a shop assistant. He also made a living riding a ferry boat across the Mississippi River by charging passengers to row.
Q: Why did Lincoln lose most of his votes in the 1864 election?
A: Lincoln lost many votes because the Confederate states were not included in the count, reducing the voting population. If these states were counted, Lincoln would have won by a landslide.
Q: What was Lincoln’s favorite book?
A: Lincoln was an avid reader and read a wide range of literature. However, he was particularly fond of Shakespeare’s plays and works.
Q: Who was the private secretary to President Lincoln?
A: John Hay was Lincoln’s personal Secretary. He served in the role from 1864 to 1865.
Q: What were Lincoln’s hobbies apart from politics and reading?
A: Apart from politics and reading, Lincoln had a love for stage plays and theatre. He enjoyed reading plays by Shakespeare, and historical pieces about America. He even liked to act out scenes from plays after attending them.
Q: Was Lincoln really tall as people often say?
A: No, contrary to common belief, Lincoln was not exceptionally tall for his time. He stood at 6’4" which was around the average height for a man in the 19th century. His tall stature along with his top hat made him look taller than he actually was.
Q: Why did Lincoln issue the Emancipation Proclamation?
A: Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation as a military measure to cripple the Confederate forces, which heavily relied on enslaved people for manpower. It also was a moral choice towards the eradication of slavery.
Q: Who was Lincoln’s wife and when did they get married?
A: Lincoln’s wife was Mary Todd. They got secretly married in 1842. Later, he helped her get secretly divorced from her first husband, to ensure he could support his family. They openly got remarried after Mary had remarried and got a quick divorce from her second husband.
President Lincoln’s life is a story of trials, triumphs, and tenacity, revealing a man far removed from the mythical figure etched into the annals of American lore. The human side of his persona, as explored in these anecdotes, makes him truly accessible to us all, regardless of the passage of time.
