Written by Noemi Martinez, Staff Writer
Abraham Lincoln is a prized president of the United States, but what more was he other than an accomplished leader for the new world?
Welcome to February! As we enter the new month, a few notable dates are up: Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, and my personal favorite, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. The 16th president of the United States, most known for his involvement in the Civil War and the abolishment of slavery, turns 217 on February 12. Who was he outside of the White House, and what did he do?
Let’s recap the notable aspects of Lincoln’s presidency. He was elected just before the Civil War, and due to his position as a slavery abolitionist, was the driving force behind ending the discourse between the Union and Confederacy. He was reelected in 1864 and assassinated in 1865, a year before the official end of the Civil War. He signed the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring slaves free in an act of defiance against the Confederacy. A common misconception regards Lincoln as being an advocate for equality. He was anti-slavery, but a victim of the common mindset at the time, a believer in stark differences between African Americans and white Americans, leading him to believe in white superiority. While this is an unfortunate aspect of the historical reality, the historical impact that the abolishment of slavery had on the advancement of civil rights is undeniable and should not be minimized. Lincoln, like any other president, was a human before he was a president. While there were many positive changes made through the ripple effect of emancipation, he was an imperfect man who, like any other person, is capable of falling victim to the beliefs of society around them.
While Lincoln’s status as a president is formidable and unparalleled by many of his successors, it’s important to touch base with the person inside the Oval Office. Here are a few interesting facts about Abraham Lincoln.
1. Abraham Lincoln was a renowned wrestler. Residing in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Lincoln participated in what was formerly known as grappling, but is now well known as wrestling. He engaged in a much looser, informal version of modern wrestling. Some rumor that he may have participated in up to 300 matches, with only one loss, but there is no solid proof of this.
2. Abraham “Abe” Lincoln wasn’t fond of being called Abe, and much preferred being dubbed Lincoln instead. (Mental Floss, 2015)
3. Lincoln’s favorite food was oysters. (Mental Floss, 2015)
4. There are no longer any living descendants of Abraham Lincoln, with the most recent remaining members of his family passing away in the 20th century. (Mental Floss, 2015)
5. Lincoln’s tragic end is well known and infamous, but few know that he was the first president to be assassinated. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum)
6. Abraham Lincoln is the tallest president to have ever served to this day, standing at 6’4. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum)
7. Lincoln was an animal lover. In his home, he had multiple pets such as dogs, cats, and, surprisingly, goats. He even had a turkey named Jack. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum) (President’s For Kids, 2025)
Lincoln was more than just a president; he was a beloved father and husband. As he is remembered on his upcoming birthday, perhaps we Americans should see him as more than just the president with the imposing hat and distinctive beard, but as an animal lover or a wrestler.