Abraham Lincoln

16th US President & Abolition of Slavery

Net Worth: $85,000 (At Death, Unadjusted)

Annual Earnings: N/A

Primary Source: Presidential Salary & Legal Practice

Profile Details

Age	56 (Born Feb 12, 1809)
Country	United States 🇺🇸
Birth Place	Hodgenville, Kentucky, US
Height	6' 4" (193 cm)

Biography & Deep Dive

Early Life & Background

Born in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky, Abraham Lincoln grew up in frontier poverty. Entirely self-educated, he read voraciously despite working on farms and splitting rails. He moved to Illinois, where he worked as a storekeeper and postmaster before teaching himself law and passing the bar exam.

Career Milestones

Lincoln gained national prominence as an eloquent opponent of the expansion of slavery during the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates. Elected as the first Republican president in 1860, his victory prompted the secession of Southern states. He skillfully led the Union through the bloody American Civil War, issuing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

Business & Wealth Model

Lincoln accrued modest wealth primarily through his highly successful circuit law practice in Illinois before his presidency. As president, he earned a salary of $25,000 a year. His estate at his death in 1865 was valued at roughly $85,000, leaving his widow Mary Todd Lincoln comfortably provided for, though she later faced financial issues.

Cultural Legacy

Consistently ranked as one of the greatest US presidents, Lincoln preserved the Union and paved the way for the abolition of slavery. His Gettysburg Address is considered one of the greatest speeches in American history. His visage is immortalized on Mount Rushmore, the penny, and the $5 bill.

Fun Facts

He is the tallest US president in history at 6'4".
He is the only US president to hold a patent (for a device to lift boats over shoals).
He kept important documents tucked inside his iconic stovepipe hat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Abraham Lincoln's net worth?

At the time of his death, Lincoln's estate was valued at approximately $85,000, derived from his legal practice and presidential salary.

How did Abraham Lincoln die?

He was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., on April 14, 1865, and died the following morning.

Did Lincoln own slaves?

No, Abraham Lincoln did not own slaves and actively opposed the expansion of slavery, eventually abolishing it with the 13th Amendment.

How tall was Abraham Lincoln?

He was 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm), making him the tallest US president.

What is the Emancipation Proclamation?

It was an executive order issued by Lincoln in 1863 that changed the legal status of more than 3.5 million enslaved African Americans from enslaved to free.