Politics and emancipation · United States · 1809–1865
Abraham Lincoln Life & Career Timeline
Self-education, Union, emancipation and a redefinition of American democracy.
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ALAbraham LincolnPolitics and emancipation · United States
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About this timeline
About Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln rose from a frontier childhood to lead the United States through civil war and constitutional abolition of slavery.
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Abraham Lincoln biography
Abraham Lincoln timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in Kentucky
Abraham Lincoln was born to Thomas and Nancy Hanks Lincoln in a log cabin.
Source: www.loc.govFamily moves to Indiana
The frontier move shaped Lincoln’s childhood labour and limited formal schooling.
Source: www.loc.govMother dies
Nancy Hanks Lincoln died of milk sickness when Abraham was nine.
Source: www.loc.govMoves to Illinois
The Lincoln family settled in the rapidly developing state.
Source: www.loc.govSettles in New Salem
Lincoln worked as a clerk, surveyor and postmaster while educating himself.
Source: www.loc.govBlack Hawk War captain
Local volunteers elected Lincoln captain of their militia company.
Source: www.loc.govElected to Illinois legislature
He began four terms in the state House of Representatives.
Source: www.loc.govLicensed to practise law
Lincoln entered the legal profession after self-directed study.
Source: www.loc.govMarries Mary Todd
The couple established a home and raised four sons.
Source: www.loc.govElected to Congress
Lincoln served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Source: www.loc.govPeoria speech against slavery expansion
He publicly challenged the Kansas–Nebraska Act and the extension of slavery.
Source: www.loc.govLincoln–Douglas debates
Seven debates made Lincoln a national antislavery political figure.
Source: www.loc.govElected president
Lincoln’s victory was followed by the secession of Southern states.
Source: www.loc.govFirst inauguration
He appealed for Union while confronting an escalating constitutional crisis.
Source: www.loc.govEmancipation Proclamation
The proclamation declared enslaved people in rebelling states free and changed the war’s purpose.
Source: www.loc.govGettysburg Address
Lincoln linked Union victory with equality and government of, by and for the people.
Source: www.loc.govThirteenth Amendment passes Congress
Lincoln pressed for the constitutional abolition of slavery.
Source: www.loc.govAssassinated at Ford’s Theatre
John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln; the president died the following morning.
Source: www.loc.govExplore related timelines
This educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Abraham Lincoln or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Licence shown on source file
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About the Abraham Lincoln timeline
Who is Abraham Lincoln?
Abraham Lincoln rose from a frontier childhood to lead the United States through civil war and constitutional abolition of slavery.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1809–1865.
Who maintains this timeline?
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
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