Lincoln’s Birthday

Lincoln’s Birthday is observed on February 12. This day commemorates the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, who was born in 1809 in a log cabin in Kentucky. While it is not a federal holiday, several states officially recognize the date to honor his leadership during the American Civil War and his role in the abolition of slavery.

History of Lincoln’s Birthday

The movement to honor Abraham Lincoln’s birth began shortly after his assassination in 1865. The first formal commemoration took place on February 12, 1866, when George Bancroft, a noted historian and statesman, delivered a memorial address to both houses of Congress. However, it was a local effort in Buffalo, New York, that truly popularized the concept. Julius Francis, a local shopkeeper and pharmacist, spent much of his life and fortune campaigning for the holiday. He organized the first public celebration in 1874 and founded the Buffalo Lincoln’s Birthday Association to ensure the tradition continued.

By the early 20th century, many states had adopted the day as a legal holiday. In 1892, Illinois officially recognized the date, and other northern states followed throughout the following decades. In 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed to create more three-day weekends by moving several federal holidays to Mondays. While this led to the creation of Presidents’ Day on the third Monday of February, many states like Illinois, New York, and Connecticut chose to keep February 12 as a distinct and separate state holiday.

Why is Lincoln’s Birthday important?

This day serves as a focused period for reflecting on the preservation of the United States. Lincoln presided over the nation’s most significant internal conflict, and his commitment to maintaining the Union defined his presidency. The holiday emphasizes the shift in American history marked by the Emancipation Proclamation, which changed the legal status of millions of enslaved people and redirected the moral purpose of the Civil War.

The observance also highlights the personal virtues of a leader who rose from extreme poverty to the highest office in the land. It provides an opportunity for students and citizens to study his speeches, such as the Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural address, which continue to influence political thought. By dedicating a specific day to his memory, the public can examine the evolution of civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union.

• It marks the birth of the president who issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
• The holiday honors the effort to keep the Northern and Southern states unified.
• People recognize his self-taught background and pursuit of education.
• It highlights the historical significance of the first Republican president.
• The day provides a specific time to visit national memorials and historic sites.

How to Observe Lincoln’s Birthday

A common way to observe this day is by visiting sites associated with Lincoln’s life, such as his birthplace in Hodgenville, Kentucky, or his home in Springfield, Illinois. At the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., a formal wreath-laying ceremony usually takes place, often accompanied by a public reading of the Gettysburg Address. Schools in participating states frequently dedicate lesson plans to his biography and the impact of the Civil War.

For a more personal observation, many people read books or watch documentaries about 19th-century American history. Some communities hold historical reenactments or host speakers who discuss the 16th president’s legacy. In some regions, traditions include baking an almond cake, which was reportedly a favorite of Lincoln’s. Simple acts, like visiting a library or reflecting on the values of honesty and perseverance, are also popular ways to spend the day.

• Attend a wreath-laying ceremony at a local historical monument.
• Read a primary source document like the Emancipation Proclamation.
• Visit a museum exhibit focused on the American Civil War.
• Participate in a community discussion regarding civil liberties.
• Watch a film or documentary about the Lincoln presidency.

Lincoln’s Birthday Dates Table