10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is often called the greatest President in the history of the United States, or at least in the top three alongside George Washington and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Not only did he guide America through the Civil War and help bring about an end to slavery, but “Honest Abe” was also widely regarded as a good man (though his legacy may be more complicated than the broad strokes of history would suggest). His speeches, too — such as the brief but impactful Gettysburg Address — rank among the most important in American history.
Incredibly, between 15,000 and 18,000 books have been written about the 16th President of the United States. That’s an awful lot of reading, so to save you some time, here are 10 things you probably never knew about Abraham Lincoln.
Lincoln Wore a Size 14 Shoe
Lincoln’s feet were the biggest in U.S. presidential history. He wore a size 14 shoe, which made finding adequate footwear something of a problem. As a result, he often suffered from sore feet. He found comfort in the hands of Issachar Zacharie, a controversial podiatrist and con artist who despite lying about having a medical degree, among other things, managed to become one of Lincoln’s closest confidants.
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Lincoln Was the Only President to Hold a Patent
On March 10, 1849, Lincoln filed patent No. 6,469 for a device for “buoying vessels over shoals.” The idea was based on experience, as Lincoln had once briefly worked as a ferry operator on the Mississippi River, and was stranded twice on riverboats that ran aground. His device used air chambers that could be attached to the side of boats, allowing them to be lifted over or off obstructions. His invention was never manufactured, but Lincoln remains the first and only U.S. President to hold a patent.
Lincoln Spoke With a High-Pitched Voice
Looking at photos of Lincoln, and considering both his physical and political stature, you might expect him to have a fairly deep voice. That, however, would be wrong. His contemporaries variously described his voice as being “shrill” or “sharp.” The journalist Horace White described Lincoln as having “a thin tenor, or rather falsetto, voice, almost as high-pitched as a boatswain’s whistle.”
Lincoln Commuted to Work in the Summer
During the summer months, Lincoln and his family would stay in a cottage on the grounds of the Old Soldiers’ Home (known today as the Armed Forces Retirement Home) in Washington, D.C. It was only 3 miles from the White House, but back then that was a significant distance for a commute. Lincoln made the daily 45-minute trip on his horse, accompanied by his presidential guard.
Lincoln Stored Papers in His Stovepipe Hat
Perhaps the most iconic item of Lincoln’s apparel was his stovepipe hat. The towering top hat made the President look even taller, and certainly made him stand out in a crowd. Lincoln also used the accessory as storage space. He would often keep documents beneath his hat, including personal letters, speeches, and important government papers.
John Wilkes Booth Was Probably at Lincoln’s Second Inauguration
A month before Lincoln was fatally shot at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., the President gave his second inaugural address at the U.S. Capitol, and his assassin was likely in attendance. Evidence for this comes from photos that show a man bearing a striking resemblance to John Wilkes Booth standing ominously on a balcony above the President as he spoke.
Lincoln Was the First President to Keep Cats as Pets
Though feral felines had probably prowled through the White House before Lincoln’s arrival, he was the first President to keep cats as pets. The first kittens in the White House — named Tabby and Dixie — were a gift to Lincoln from Secretary of State William Seward. Lincoln loved animals in general, including dogs, pigs, and horses, but he held cats in especially high regard. When his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, was asked if her husband had any hobbies, her response was simply, “cats.”
Lincoln Was Inducted Into the Wrestling Hall of Fame
As a young man, Lincoln was an accomplished wrestler, becoming a county wrestling champion at the age of 21. He continued wrestling while he pursued his studies in law, and according to some reports, he won 300 bouts over 12 years, with only one known defeat. In 1992, Lincoln was posthumously inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame with an Outstanding American award.
Lincoln Is the Tallest Person Ever to Serve as President
It’s perhaps no surprise that Lincoln was a strong wrestler. He was, after all, quite a giant of a man. Standing at 6 feet, 4 inches, he remains the tallest President of all time. Lyndon B. Johnson comes in second place at 6 feet, 3.5 inches, and James Madison holds the record for the shortest President at 5 feet, 4 inches.
