User blog:ARTaylor/Abraham Lincoln's 210 Birthday

Today is the two-hundred tenth birthday of Abraham Lincoln. He was born February 12, 1809 in a cabin near Hogdenville, Kentucky. He grew up on the frontier, educated himself, and eventually became a leader. He became angry at the expansion of slavery in the United States causing him to enter national politics. He became a major figure in his political party winning a seat in the House of Representatives.

He is most famous as the sixteenth President of the United States of America. His election in 1860 was seen by pro-slavery forces that the North, who favored freedom for the black slaves, rejected their rights. The southern states seceded from the Union forming the Confederacy thus sparking the American Civil War. As the leader of the Union, Lincoln defeated the traitorous rebels, declared slavery abolished slavery, stopped the more radical members of his party, and reunited the states. Sadly, just a few days after the South's surrender he became the first United States president to be assassinated.

He was known as an astute politician and terrific orator. He has been recognized as one of the greatest national leaders of all time. His birthday, located just a week away from George Washington, is recognized as a federal holiday. He has been immortalized on the United States penny and five dollar bill, Mount Rushmore, and a memorial in Washington D.C..