Lincoln, Abraham: The Lincoln Legend

As time passed Lincoln became more and more the object of adulation; a full-blown “Lincoln legend” appeared. Yet, even if his faults and mistakes are acknowledged, he stands out as a statesman of noble vision, great humanity, and remarkable political skill. It is not surprising that the Illinois “rail-splitter” is regarded as a foremost symbol of American democracy. Paintings, sculptures, and architectural works memorializing Lincoln are legion; the most famous shrines are his home and tomb in Springfield, Ill., and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• The Lincoln Legend
• Presidency
• Slavery and the Lincoln-Douglas Debates
• Early Political Career
• Early Life
• Bibliography

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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