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Lincoln's Life

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States. DEA PICTURE LIBRARY/GETTY IMAGES

Abraham Lincoln was president of the United States from 1861 to 1865. We remember him each year on Presidents’ Day. He led the U.S. during the Civil War. Read about his life.

WALTER BIBIKOW—CORBIS

A Hard Worker

Lincoln was born in a log cabin in Kentucky. As a child, he was a good student. He loved to read. Later, he became a lawyer.

AP

A Family Man

Lincoln was married and had four children. His wife’s name was Mary Todd Lincoln.

AP

A Strong Leader

Lincoln became president in 1861. Two years later, he signed a paper that ended slavery in Southern states.

RICHARD NOWITZ—GETTY IMAGES

A Big Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is in Washington, D.C. Millions of people visit it every year.

How Tall?

FROM LEFT: LEEMAGE/CORBIS/GETTY IMAGES; ROBERT D. BARNES—GETTY IMAGES

Presidents’ Day also honors George Washington. He was the first president of the United States. The Washington Monument is named after him. It is 555 feet tall. It is the tallest building in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.