Abraham Lincoln's Birthday (February 12): History, Meaning and Celebrations

Lincoln's Birthday is an annual state holiday observed in the United States in commemoration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday on February 12th. Check out this article to know more!

Lincoln's Birthday falls on February 12th. Photo: The Mommies Reviews

When is Lincoln's Birthday?

Lincoln's Birthday is a legal holiday celebrated in some U.S. states on February 12th, according to Official Holidays.

Abraham Lincoln's birthday is a state holiday in California, Connecticut, Missouri, and Illinois, falling on February 12th, regardless of the day of the week.

Indiana recognizes Lincoln's Birthday as a holiday on the day after Thanksgiving.

History of Abraham Lincoln's Birthday

Photo: Faith and History - WordPress

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12th, 1809 in LaRue County, Kentucky.

He became the 16th president of the United States in 1860. Notably, he was president during the American Civil War and issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

Less than two weeks after the surrender by the Confederates, he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth as he watched a play at the Ford's Theatre on April 14th, 1865.

The day is marked by the laying of wreaths at his birthplace in Kentucky and at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.

There is some debate over when Lincoln's Birthday was first celebrated as a holiday. Despite efforts by some to make it a legal holiday, it always suffered as Lincoln's birthday was close to that of a previous famous president, George Washington, who was born on February 22nd, whose birthday was already taking hold as a national holiday.

The unofficial renaming of Washington's birthday as Presidents' Day is a way of honoring both Washington and Lincoln and of course, the contribution that all Presidents have made to the United States of America.

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday Timeline

February 12, 1809

A future U.S. president is born

Abraham Lincoln was born to essentially illiterate parents in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky.

1831

Life as a young man

Lincoln left home at age 22, moving his way up from working as a laborer, to a store owner.

1858

Senate race & Lincoln-Douglas debates

Lincoln participated in several election debates on the subject of slavery, speaking out passionately in favor of abolition.

1863

Turmoil and hope

Lincoln delivered the Emancipation Proclamation, which began to change the goal of the Civil War from saving the Union to abolishing slavery.

April 15, 1865

Assassination

Following getting shot by confederate sympathizer John Wilkes, Lincoln remained unconscious for nine hours and died the next morning.

How to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's Birthday

Lincoln Birthday Celebration Parade and Ceremonies Photo: Patriot Connections

Wear a hat

Lincoln's look had several iconic features, ranging from his lofty 6'4" height, to his beard, and of course, his stovepipe hat. We're not suggesting you adopt a stovepipe style (even if you could find one), but it's easy to get in the spirit of celebration with any old-fashioned hat, As reported by National Holidays.

Build something with Lincoln Logs

Fun fact: Lincoln Logs, although undoubtedly inspired by the story of the president growing up in a one-room log cabin, was actually invented by John Lloyd Wright, son of legendary American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. They're still being manufactured today; if you have a set, dust them off and build your own masterpiece to celebrate the humble beginning of Lincoln's American dream.

Consider a beard

Did you know Lincoln was the first president to wear a beard while in office? If you're so inclined, plan ahead so your new beard can make a respectable showing by the time Lincoln's birthday comes around — or just skip shaving on the day. (Ladies, since it's unlikely you will be able to join in this particular form of celebration, perhaps you could encourage your male friends.)

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday Dates

Year Date Day

2021 February 12 Friday

2022 February 12 Saturday

2023 February 12 Sunday

2024 February 12 Monday

2025 February 12 Wednesday

What is the relationship between Black History Month and Lincoln's Birthday?

The origin of Black History Month dates back to the 19th century around the observance of Lincoln's birthday within African-American societies in the U.S. In the early 20th century, African-American populations were observing Lincoln's birthday together with that of Frederick Douglass, a former slave and abolitionist annually on February 14th. The concept of Black History Month was established by Carter G. Woodson an American author, historian and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in 1926, when he proclaimed that the second week of February would be "Negro History Week" in honor of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln In the 1970s, the holiday had evolved from the "Negro History Week" to "Black History Month". As time progressed, Black History Month became a yearly observance not only in the U.S_ but also in Canada, where it is still observed in February, and the UK where it is observed in October, says Edarabia.

What is the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Black Friday?

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving Day and marks the unofficial start of Christmas shopping. This term was coined during the late 19th century following President Lincoln's declaration in 1863 of Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday which should be observed on the last Thursday in November. However, the date was later shifted, under Roosevelt's administration, to the fourth Thursday of November. In the following years, people began feigning sickness to enjoy a four-day weekend and get a head-start on their holiday shopping. By 19667 the term Black Friday became famous in print.