US Constitution
Portrait of Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln

16th U.S. President, Preserved the Union

Vital Statistics

Born: February 12, 1809

Died: April 15, 1865

Birthplace: Sinking Spring Farm, Kentucky

Spouses: 1

Children: 4

Biography

Abraham Lincoln, a man forged in the wilderness and tempered by tragedy, rose to become the savior of the Union. His presidency was a crucible, a fiery test of the very Constitution the Founders had created. The 13th Amendment, which he championed, finally cleansed the nation of the original sin of slavery, fulfilling the promise of the Declaration of Independence. Lincoln preserved the Founders' creation and, in doing so, ensured 'government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.'