Abraham Lincoln's Milestones
Sister Sarah born
His older sister, Sarah Lincoln, was born in Kentucky.
Birth
Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin in Hardin County (now LaRue County), Kentucky, to Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks.
Moved to Indiana
The Lincoln family moved from Kentucky to Indiana, settling in the frontier wilderness.
Mother died
Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, died of milk sickness when Abraham was nine years old.
Father remarried
Thomas Lincoln married Sarah Bush Johnston, who became a supportive stepmother to Abraham.
Became self-educated
Largely self-educated, Lincoln read extensively and developed a lifelong love of learning during his youth in Indiana.
Worked as a rail-splitter and store clerk
Worked manual labor jobs and as a store clerk, gaining early experience in business and community.
Mother's death of Sarah Lincoln Grigsby
His sister Sarah died during childbirth.
Moved to Illinois
The Lincoln family relocated to Macon County, Illinois, marking a new chapter in Abraham's life.
First election campaign
Lincoln ran unsuccessfully for the Illinois state legislature, beginning his political career.
Black Hawk War service
Served as a captain in the Illinois militia during the Black Hawk War.
Postmaster of New Salem
Appointed postmaster of New Salem, Illinois.
Elected to Illinois legislature
Elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, serving four successive terms.
Became a lawyer
Obtained law license and began practicing law in Springfield, Illinois.
Law partnership with John T. Stuart
Formed a law partnership with John T. Stuart in Springfield.
Law partnership with Stephen T. Logan
Formed a law partnership with Stephen T. Logan.
Married Mary Todd
Married Mary Todd in Springfield, Illinois.
Birth of first son, Robert
First son, Robert Todd Lincoln, was born.
Law partnership with William Herndon
Formed his most enduring law partnership with William Herndon.
Birth of son Edward
Second son, Edward Baker Lincoln, was born.
U.S. House of Representatives
Served a single term as a U.S. Representative from Illinois.
Return to law practice
Returned to law practice after leaving Congress.
Death of son Edward
Edward Lincoln died at age four.
Birth of son William
Third son, William Wallace Lincoln, was born.
Birth of son Tad
Fourth son, Thomas 'Tad' Lincoln, was born.
Kansas-Nebraska Act opposition
Became a leading opponent of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, reentering politics.
Peoria Speech
Delivered the Peoria Speech, denouncing the expansion of slavery.
'House Divided' speech
Delivered the famous 'House Divided' speech in Springfield, Illinois, addressing the dangers of a divided nation over slavery.
Lincoln-Douglas Debates
Engaged in a series of seven debates with Stephen A. Douglas during the Illinois Senate race, raising his national profile.
Cooper Union Speech
Delivered the Cooper Union speech in New York, boosting his national reputation.
Elected President
Elected as the 16th President of the United States, becoming the first Republican to hold the office.
Inaugurated as President
Inaugurated as President of the United States in Washington, D.C.
Civil War begins
The American Civil War began with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter shortly after Lincoln's inauguration.
Suspended habeas corpus
Suspended habeas corpus to maintain Union authority during the Civil War.
Emancipation Proclamation issued
Issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves in Confederate states to be free.
Gettysburg Address
Delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Appointed Ulysses S. Grant as General
Appointed Ulysses S. Grant as General-in-Chief of the Union Army.
Re-elected President
Re-elected as President of the United States, defeating George B. McClellan.
13th Amendment passed by Congress
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery.
Second Inaugural Address
Delivered his Second Inaugural Address, calling for 'malice toward none; with charity for all.'
Civil War ends
General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the Civil War.
Assassinated
Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., and died the following morning.
Funeral and burial
Lincoln's funeral train traveled from Washington, D.C., to Springfield, Illinois, where he was buried.
Legacy and memorials
Lincoln is widely regarded as one of America's greatest presidents, honored with numerous memorials, including the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.