1832 - Served in Blackhawk War

Lincoln joined a volunteer company at the outbreak of the Blackhawk War. He was elected Captain of the Volunteers, this could be said to be Lincoln's first campaign and election. He served three months but did not participate in any battles. Lincoln described his experience as a Captain in the Blackhawk War as "a success which gave me more pleasure than any I have had since."

Resources for Teachers

Resources for Students

• Abraham Lincoln's Youth (Black Hawk War): America's Story 
• Lincoln's Sense of Humor: America's Story

Library of Congress Primary Sources

• George M. Harrison to Abraham Lincoln, Tuesday, May 29, 1860 (Congratulations from a Black Hawk War comrade) American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln (May-June 1860) (Autobiographical Notes)   Fourth Paragraph American Memory
• Reuben Thwaite's annotated chronicle of the Black Hawk War (1832). American Memory 
• Abraham Lincoln in the Black Hawk War. By Alfred Augustus Jackson. American Memory

Other Resources

• A. Lincoln and the Black Hawk War: The Newberry Library and Chicago History Museum
• The War of 1812 and the Black Hawk War: Michigan Department of Military and Veteran Affairs 
• Muster Roll of Lincoln's Company: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln 

1834 »

1834 - Began serving in Illinois House of Representatives

After an unsuccessful run in 1832, Lincoln was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1834. He received the highest amount of votes cast for any candidate. He served in the Illinois Legislature until 1840 serving four terms.

Resources for Teachers

• Lincoln's Congressional Career History activities from the Collection Connection for American Memories Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress 

Resources for Students

Library of Congress Primary Sources

• Abraham Lincoln (May-June 1860) (Autobiographical Notes) Fourth Paragraph American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln (January 1849) (A bill to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia) American Memory
• Lincoln's speech against the Mexican War (1848) American Memory
• Bills and Resolutions Mr. Lincoln from the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads American Memory

Other Resources

• Act of Illinois Legislature to Lay Out a State Road from the Wabash to the Yellow Banks of the Mississippi River: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln 
• Speech in Illinois Legislature Reporting a Bill with Amendments to Establish a New County: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln
• Protest in Illinois Legislature on Slavery: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln

« 1832 | 1849 »

1849 - Received Patent

Lincoln is the only president to receive a patent. His invention consisted of a buoyant system to allow boats and vessels to pass over shallow waters or bars. His patent was granted on May 22, 1849.

Resources for Teachers

Resources for Students

Library of Congress Primary Sources

• Zenas C. Robbins to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, April 13, 1849 (Patent)   American Memory

Other Resources

• Abraham Lincoln's Patent Model: Improvement for Buoying Vessels Over Shoals:Smithsonian National Museum of American History  Smithsonian National Museum of American History
• Abraham Lincoln's Patent and other Lincoln-Related Patents Illinois State Library
• A Patent for a President United States Patent and Trademark Office United States Patent and Trademark Office
• Application for Patent on an Imporved Method of Lifting Vessels over Shoals: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln

« 1834 | 1858 »

1858 - Lincoln Douglas Debates

Lincoln participated in seven debates across the state of Illinois with Stephen Douglas campaigning for one of the Illinois State Senate seats. The debates started in Ottawa, Illinois on August 21, 1858 and proceeded to Freeport, Jonesboro, Charleston, Galesburg, Quincy and ended in Alton, Illinois on October 15, 1858.

Resources for Teachers

• Lincoln's Congressional Career: Debates over Slavery in the Territories - U.S. History activities from the Collection Connection for American Memory's collection Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress.
• Lincoln Douglas Debates American Treasures from the Library of Congress Memory Exhibition.

Resources for Students

• Stephen A. Douglas was Born, April 23, 1813: America's Library 

Library of Congress Primary Sources

• Abraham Lincoln to Stephen A. Douglas, Saturday, July 24, 1858 (Debates)  American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln to Stephen A. Douglas, Thursday, July 29, 1858 (Debates) American Memory 
• Stephen A. Douglas to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, July 30, 1858 (Debates) American Memory 
• Stephen A. Douglas to Abraham Lincoln, Saturday, July 24, 1858 (Debates) American Memory
• William A. Ross to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, March 18, 1859 (Publication of Debates) American Memory
• Stephen A. Douglas to Follett Foster & Company, Saturday, June 09, 1860 (Protests publication of Lincoln Douglas Debates) American Memory
• Norman B. Judd to Abraham Lincoln, Tuesday, July 27, 1858 (Debates) American Memory 
• Lincoln Douglas debate Du Page County Centennial, August 27, West Chicago/Kreger Prints and Photographs
• Anniversary of Lincoln Douglas Debate--Address of President McKinley/Allen Ayraulot Green, Galesburg, Illinois Prints and Photographs
• Abraham Lincoln: Two weeks before final Lincoln-Douglas debate in Lincoln's unsuccessful bid for the Senate, Pittsfield, Illinois Prints and Photographs
• Excerpt from Lincoln's speech, final debate with Stephen A. Douglas from Abraham Lincoln's scrapbook of the Illinois political campaign of 1858 Prints and Photographs
• Joseph Medill to Abraham Lincoln, (August 27, 1858) American Memory 
• Illinois Political Campaign of 1858 Scrapbook and booklet - Rare Books Collection 

Other Resources

• Fragment: Notes for Speeches: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln
• First Debate with Stephen A. Douglas at Ottawa, Illinois: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln
• Second Debate with Stephen A. Douglas at Freeport, Illinois: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln
• Third Debate with Stephen A. Douglas at Jonesboro, Illinois: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln
• Fourth Debate with Stephen A. Douglas at Charleston, Illinois: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln
• Fifth Debate with Stephen A. Douglas at Galesburg, Illinois: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln
• Sixth Debate with Stephen A. Douglas at Quincy, Illinois: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln
• Seventh and Last Debate with Stephen A. Douglas at Alton, Illinois: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln

« 1849 | 1860 »

1860 - Elected President

Lincoln was elected President of the United States on November 6, 1860. His opponents were Stephen Douglas, John Breckinridge and John Bell.

Resources for Teachers

• Lincoln's 1860 Presidential Campaign  Collection Connection for Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress.
• Lincoln's Farewell American Treasures of the Library of Congress Memory Exhibition.
• Lincoln for President American Treasures of the Library of Congress Top Treasures Exhibition.
• Abraham Lincoln, The 1860 Election, and the Future of the American Union and Slavery This lesson plan by Edsitement will explore Abraham Lincoln's rise to political prominence during the debate over the future of American slavery.

Resources for Students

• February 27 Matthew Brady   Today in History, Photograph taken by Matthew Brady of presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln.
• U.S. President Abraham Lincoln America's Story

Library of Congress Primary Sources

• President elect Abraham Lincoln, portrait of Abraham Lincoln, President-elect of the United States of America, with scenes and incidents in his life--phot. by P. Butler, Springfield, Ill.  Prints and Photographs
• Campaign button with portrait of Abraham Lincoln and inscription "For President Abraham Lincoln" Prints and Photographs
• Abraham Lincoln: President-elect Prints and Photographs
• Thomas A. Marshall and Jesse K. Dubois to Abraham Lincoln, Saturday, May 19, 1860 (Telegram; notification of nomination American Memory
• Richard M. Corwine to Abraham Lincoln, Monday, April 30, 1860 (Presidential candidates with copy by Abraham Lincoln) (precedes original) American Memory
• James E. Harvey to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, July 27, 1860 (New York political developments) American Memory
• Caleb B. Smith to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, July 20, 1860 (Indiana politics) American Memory
• William H. Fry to Abraham Lincoln, Saturday, August 04, 1860 (Sends campaign pamphlet) American Memory
• Benjamin C. Lundy to Abraham Lincoln, Monday, November 22, 1858 (1860 nomination with clipping) American Memory
• The "wigwam" grand march: dedicated to the Republican presidential candidate, Hon. Abrm. Lincoln American Memory
• Rail splitter's polka: for the piano forte /(by A. Neuman) American Memory
• Honest Old Abe: Song and Chorus/Words by D. Wentworth, Esq.; Music by a Wide Awake   American Memory
• George Ashmun to Abraham Lincoln, Tuesday, November 13, 1860 (Congratulations and political affairs)  American Memory
• John Coyle to Abraham Lincoln, November 1860 (Note urging Lincoln to decline the presidency) American Memory
• Helen P. Haskell to Abraham Lincoln, Saturday, November 10, 1860 (Congratulations from little girl) American Memory
•  

Other Resources

• Election of 1860: American Presidency Project: American Presidency Project

« 1858 | 1861 »

1861 - Inauguration

President Lincoln's inauguration took place on March 4, 1861. South Carolina and Georgia had already succeeded from the Union and the Civil War seemed inevitable. President Lincoln ended his inauguration speech by asking the South "Shall it be peace or sword?"

Resources for Teachers

• Succession and Inauguration  Collection Connection for Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress.
• Lincoln's 1861 Inaugural I Do Solemnly Swear American Treasures Exhibition.
• Lincoln's First Inaugural Address American Treasures of the Library of Congress Top Treasures Exhibition.
• We Must not be Enemies: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address Help students understand the historical context and significance of Lincoln's inaugural address through Library of Congress archival documents in this lesson plan by Edsitement.
• The First Inaugural Address (1861) Defending the American Union Another lesson plan from Edsitement that will examine Lincoln's first inaugural address to understand why he thought his duty as president required him to treat secession as an act of rebellion.

Resources for Students

• March 4 Abraham Lincoln's First Inaugural Today in History
• Abraham Lincoln's Inauguration, March 4, Jump Back in TIme 1861 from America's Library

Library of Congress Primary Sources

• The inaugural procession at Washington passing the gates of the Capitol grounds-from a sketch from our special artist  American Memory
• Inauguration of President Lincoln at U.S. Capitol, March 04, 1861 Prints and Photographs
• Inauguration of Mr. Lincoln, 4 March 1861 American Memory
• Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln-March 4, 1861 Prints and Photographs
• 4 March 1861: Inauguration of Mr. Lincoln Prints and Photographs
• Inauguration ball at Washington, 4 March 1861-superb costumes of distinguished ladies present on that brillant occassion/from sketches by our special artists Prints and Photographs
• Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln on the East Front of the Capitol Prints and Photographs
• Presidents Buchanan and Lincoln entering the Senate Chamber before the Inauguration Prints and Photographs
• Abraham Lincoln in Willard's Hotel in Washington, on the eve of his inauguration, sitting by the fireplace, friendless and solitary, holding newspaper; March 1861 Prints and Photographs 
• Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, showing the Capitol with dome under construction Prints and Photographs
• Unused copy of the dance cards prepared for the Union Ball in honor of the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln on March 4, 1861: cover Prints and Photographs 
• Almira Lincoln Phelps to Abraham Lincoln, Wednesday, January 23, 1861 (Rumor of preventing the inauguration) American Memory
• Solomon Foot to Mary Todd Lincoln, Sunday, March 3, 1861 (Arrangements for inauguration) American Memory
• Joshua R. Giddings to Abraham Lincoln, Tuesday, January 01, 1861 (Action to insure Lincoln's inauguration) American Memory
• Winfield Scott to Abraham Lincoln, January 4 (1861) (Preparation for Lincoln's inauguration and military affairs) American Memory
• James H. Van Alen to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, January 04, 1861 (Suggest Lincoln travel to Washington immediately because of plot to prevent inauguration) American Memory
• Montgomery Blair to Abraham Lincoln, Saturday, December 08, 1860 (Invites Lincoln to stay with him in Washington) American Memory
• Wisconsin Officials to Abraham Lincoln, January 1861 (Recommend bodyguard) American Memory 
• John Bigelow to Abraham Lincoln, Saturday, December 29, 1860 (Advises Lincoln to go to Washington) American Memory
• Joseph Medill to Abraham Lincoln, Monday, December 31, 1860 (Urges Lincoln to come to Washington very soon) American Memory
• Zenas C. Robbins to Abraham Lincoln, Thursday, October 18, 1860 (Invites Lincoln to stay with him in Washington) American Memory
• Julia Matie to Mrs. A.M. Thomas, Tuesday, January 08, 1861 (Opposes Lincoln's inauguration. Addendum written by B. Todd, May 13, 1863) American Memory
• P.W. Curtenius to Abraham Lincoln, Monday, December 31, 1860 (Offers citizen soldiers to assist with Inauguration) American Memory
• George P. Bissell to Abraham Lincoln, Sunday, December 30, 1860 (Hartford Wide Awakes ready to insure inauguration) American Memory
• John A. Gurley to Abraham Lincoln, Monday, December 31, 1860 (Cabinet appointments and alleged plot to prevent inauguration) American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln, (February-March 1861) (First Inaugural Address, Second Printed Draft, with Changes in Lincoln's Hand)  American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln (January-February 1861) (First Inagural Address, First Printed Draft) American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln (February 1861) (First Inaugural Address, Second Printed Draft with Line Numbers Added by William H. Seward) American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln (February-March 1861) (First Inaugural Address, Second Printed Draft, with Seward's Suggested Changes in Red Ink) American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln (January-February 1861) (First Inaugural Address, First Printed Draft, With Revisions in Lincoln's Hand American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln (March 1861) (First Inaugural Address, Final Version)   American Memory
•  

Other Resources

• Abraham Lincoln: First Inaugural Address: Bartlby.com
• First Inaugural Addressational Center for Public Policy Research: National Center for Public Policy Research
• First Inaugural Address of Abraham Lincoln: Yale University Avalon Project

« 1860 | 1862 »

1862 - Emancipation Proclamation

Lincoln drafted the Emancipation Proclamation which was his executive order to free slaves of everyone who is in rebellion against the government. President Lincoln would sign the final draft on January 1, 1863.

Resources for Teachers

• Emancipation Proclamation Web Guide - Primary Documents in American History
• The first printing of the preliminary version - American Treasures of the Library of Congress Top Treasures Exhibition
• Emancipation Proclamation Special Presentation - an introduction, timeline and  gallery within The Abraham Lincoln Papers Collection of American Memory
• Reminiscences of the Proclamation of Emancipation, an article published in the African Methodist Episcopal Church Review from the The African-American Experience in Ohio, 1850-1920 collection of American Memory.
•  Emancipation Proclamation   American Treasures of the Library of Congress Top Treasures Exhibition
•  The Emacipation Proclamation: Freedom's First Steps - an Edsitement lesson plan for high school students incorporating Library of Congress resources.

Resources for Students

• Juneteenth Celebration - America's Library
• W.C. Young Community Center A Local Legacy  America's Library: Explore the States.
• Abolition in the District of Columbia America's Library: Jump Back in Time
• Emancipation Proclamation: September 22 Today in History
•  

Library of Congress Primary Sources

• Emancipation: song and chorus   American Memory
• The president's emancipation march/composed for the piano by Geo. E. Fawcett American Memory
• Emancipation march; composed and arranged for the piano and respectfully dedicated to his excellency Abraham Lincoln/by Thomas J. Martin American Memory
• Emancipation hymn:quartette & chorus/composed and dedicated by permission to the Salem Union League by Manuel Fenollosa, Salem, Mass., June 1863; (words by R.T.L.) American Memory
• U.S. Citizens to Abraham Lincoln, September 1862 (Petition supporting Emancipation Proclamation) American Memory
• Hannibal Hamlin to Abraham Lincoln, Thursday, September 25, 1862 (Emancipation Proclamation) American Memory
• Green Adams to Abraham Lincoln, Wednesday, December 31, 1862 (Emancipation Proclamation) American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln to Joseph E. Segar, Thursday, April 23, 1863 (Eastern Shore of Virginia and Emancipation Proclamation) American Memory
• Abiel A. Livermore to Abraham Lincoln, Wednesday, September 24, 1862 (Emancipation Proclamation) American Memory
• Richard McLaughlin to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, January 09, 1863 (Offers to distribute copies of Emancipation Proclamation in the seceded states) American Memory
• William H. Sewell to Abraham Lincoln, Tuesday, December 30, 1862 (Recommended alterations to the Emancipation Proclamation) American Memory
• Francis A. Hoffman to Abraham Lincoln, Thursday, September 25, 1862 (Telegram supporting Emancipation Proclamation) American Memory
• Montgomery Blair, Wednesday, December 31, 1862 (Notes on Emancipation Proclamation) American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln, Thursday, January 01, 1863 (Final Emancipation Proclamation--Final Draft (Lithograph copy) American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln to Ladies in Charge of North-Western Sanitary Fair, Monday, October 26, 1863 (Donation of final draft of Emancipation Proclamation) American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln, Tuesday, July 22, 1862 (Preliminary draft of Emancipation Proclamation)  American Memory
• Charles Sumner to Abraham Lincoln, Sunday, December 28, 1862 (Requests pen that Lincoln will use to sign Emancipation Proclamation) American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase, Wednesday, September 02, 1863 (Emancipation Proclamation in Virginia and Louisiana) American Memory
• Owen Lovejoy to Abraham Lincoln, Wednesday, October 14, 1863 (Requests that original draft of Emancipation Proclamation be donated to North-Western Sanitary Fair) American Memory
• William Sprague to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, September 26, 1862 (Emancipation Proclamation and enlistment of black soldiers) American Memory
• Barry Gray to Abraham Lincoln, January 1863 (Poem celebrating Emancipation Proclamation) American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln (December 30, 1862) (Final Emancipation Proclamation--Preliminary Draft with Suggested Changes) American Memory
• George Livermore to Charles Sumner, Monday, January 05, 1863 (Received pen used by Lincoln to sign the Emancipation Proclamation) American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln, (December 30, 1862) (Final Emancipatin Proclamation--Preliminary Draft with Changes by William Henry Seward American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln, (December 30, 1862) (Final Emancipation Proclamation-Preliminary Draft) American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln, (December 30, 1862) (Final Emancipation Proclamation--Preliminary Draft with Changes suggested by Edward Bates, with copies: Made for Members of the Cabinet) American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln January 01, 1863 (Final Emanication Proclamation, Office Copy) American Memory
• Henry N. Cobb to Abraham Lincoln, Wednesday, April 06, 1864 (Send Persian newspaper with translation of Emancipation Proclamation) American Memory
• Emancipation Proclamation drawing Prints and Photographs
• Abraham Lincoln and his Emancipation Proclamation/The Strobridge Lith., Co., Cincinnati Prints and Photographs
• Proclamation of emancipation/Richardson (?) Prints and Photographs
• U.S. Capitol paintings. Emancipation Proclamation, 1862 Prints and Photographs
• Emancipation Proclamation Prints and Photographs
• Reading the Emancipation Proclamation Prints and Photographs
• President Lincoln in the War Department Telegraph Office writing the first draft of the Emancipation Proclamation Prints and Photographs
• President Lincoln, writing the Proclamation of Freedom. January 1, 1863/painted by (David Gilmour Blythe; lithogr. and printed in colors by Ehrgott, Forbriger & Co. Cincinnati, O.) Prints and Photographs
•  

Other Resources

• The Emancipation Proclamation:  National Archives
• Historical Documents: Emancipation Proclmation: PBS
• Virtual Exhibit: The Emancipation: New York State Library

« 1861 | 1863 »

1863 - Gettysburg Address

On November 9, 1863 President Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address. He spoke for less than three minutes in length but became Lincoln's most famous speech.

Resources for Teachers

• Gettysburg Address  Web Guide Primary Documents in American History
• Abraham Lincoln  Resource Guide 
• The Gettysburg Address Library of Congress exhibition that includes drafts of the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln's invitation to Gettysburg and the only known photograph of President Lincoln at Gettysburg.
• Myth and Truth: The Gettysburg Address A lesson plan from Read Write Think that asks students to think critically about common believed "facts" about this important speech.
• The Gettysburg Address: Defining the American Union From the Edsitement website, this lesson plan examines the most famous speech in American history to understand how Lincoln turned a perfunctory euolgy at a cemetery dedication into a concise and profound meditation on the meaning of the Civil War and American Union.
• Preppy Prepositions A language arts lesson plan analyzing the Gettysburg Address submitted to CREATE for Mississippi.
• Engaging Students in a Collaborative Exploration of the Gettysburg Address This lesson plan from Read, Write, Think, invites groups of students to learn more about the historical significance of President Abraham Lincoln's famous speech as well as the time period and people involved.
•  

Resources for Students

• November 19, Gettysburg Address  Today in History
• President Lincoln Delivered the Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863 America's Story: Jump Back in Time

Library of Congress Primary Sources

• Pennsylvania. Site where Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address II American Memory 
• Lincoln's Speech at Gettysburg (sound recording) American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln to Edward Everett, Thursday, February 04, 1864 (Manuscript copy of Gettysburg Address) American Memory
• The Gettysburg Address; reproduction of Lincoln's first draft of the Gettysburg Address; and a lithograph of a portrait of Lincoln by Robert Fawcett...New York, Amalgamated Lithographers of American, 1961 American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln to Edward Everett, Friday, November 20, 1863 (Gettysburg Address) American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln, (November 1863) (Gettysburg Address: Nicolay Copy) American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln, (November 1863) (Gettysburg Address: Hay Copy) American Memory
• Alexander Bliss to John G. Nicolay, Monday, March 07, 1864 (Autograph copy of Gettysburg Address) American Memory
• Edward Everett to Abraham Lincoln, Saturday, January 30, 1864 (Gettysburg Address) American Memory
• John P. Kennedy to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, March 04, 1864 (Autograph copy of Gettysburg Address) American Memory
• David Wills to Abraham Lincoln, Monday, November 02, 1863 (Invitation to attend the dedication of the cemetery at Gettysburg and make a few "appropriate remarks") American Memory
• The Gettysburg Address. (Chicago, The Lakeside Press 1950) American Memory
• Interior of the Lincoln Memorial, showing inscription of the Gettysburg Address Prints and Photographs
• Lincoln's address at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery, November 19, 1863 Prints and Photographs
• Crowd at Lincoln's Gettysburg Address Prints and Photographs

Other Resources

• The Gettysburg Address: Cornell UniversityThe Gettysburg Address
• The Gettysburg Address 1863 Our Documents.Gov

« 1862 | 1865 »

1865 - Inauguration & Assassination

The Civil War was at an end when President Lincoln's second inauguration took place on March 4, 1865.

At Ford's Theatre, John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln while attending the play "Our American Cousin" on April 14, 1865. An unconscious Lincoln was carried to the home of William Peterson. At 7:22 A.M. the next morning, President Lincoln passed away.

Resources for Teachers

• Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address Web Guide - Primary Documents in American History 
• Promises to Keep Part of the Learning Page Feature "Inaugurations" and discusses the differences between the first and second inaugural addresses of President Lincoln. 
• Presidential Inaugurations: Words and Images Abraham Lincoln's Second Inauguration, March 4, 1865 and a letter written by a gentleman who encountered John WIlkes Booth on Lincoln's inauguration day.
• President Lincoln's Reelection A U.S. History activity from the Collection Connection for Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress. 
• Lincoln's Second Inauguration Documents and images within the American Treasures of the Library of Congress, I Do Solemnly Swear Exhibition. 
• The Second Inaugural Address (1865) Restoring the American Union  This lesson by Edsitement will examine Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address to determine how he sought to reunite a country divided by the Civil War.
• Assasination of President Abraham Lincoln: Introduction A special presentation within the Abraham Lincoln Papers.
• Assasination of President Abraham Lincoln: Timeline A special presentation within the Abraham Lincoln Papers.
• Assasination of President Abraham Lincoln: Gallery A special presentation within the Abraham Lincoln Papers.
• Lincoln Assassination U.S. History activities from the Collection Connection for Washington During the Civil War: The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865.
• Oh Captain, My Captain Lyrical Legacy
• The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln Selected Images from the Collections of the Library of Congress
• Artifacts of Assassination American Treasures of the Library of Congress Memory Exhibition.
• Account of Lincoln's Assassination American Treasures of the Library of Congress Memory Exhibition.
• Oh Captain, My Captain American Treasures of the Library of Congress Memory Exhibition.
• Now He Belongs to the Ages American Treasures of the Library of Congress Memory Exhibition.
• $100,000 Reward Poster American Treasures of the Library of Congress Memory Exhibition.
• Whitman's Elegy for Lincoln Webcast
• Chase for Lincoln's Killer Webcast
• What Events Led to Lincoln's Assassination? This lesson plan submitted to History Now uses primary sources from the Library of Congress to help students identify what events led to President Lincoln's death.
•  

Resources for Students

•  I Spy: Lincoln Inauguration Feature
•  Honest Abe is that you? Wise Guide
•  April 14, 1865 Assassination of President Lincoln Today in History
•  February 9 Oh Captain, My Captain  Today in History
•  April 2003, What's in your Pocket  Wise Guide
•  The Assassination of President Lincoln, April 14, 1865 America's Story: Jump Back in Time 
• What's in your Pocket?  America's Story: Meet Amazing People.
•  

Library of Congress Primary Sources

• Crowd at Lincoln's Second Inauguration  American Memory
• Lincoln's (second) Inauguration,1864  Prints and Photographs
• Washington, District of Columbia. Crowd at President Abraham Lincoln's second inauguration Prints and Photographs
• Washington, District of Columbia. Crowd at President Abraham Lincoln's second inauguration (second image) Prints and Photographs
• Washington, District of Columbia. Crowd at President Abraham Lincoln's second inauguration (third image) Prints and Photographs
• Letter from Abraham Lincoln to his Cabinet Members, August 23, 1864  American Memory 
• Inaugural Address March 4, 1865 in Lincoln's Hand American Memory
• An Inaugural Poem, March 4, 1865 American Memory
• Lincoln's second inaugural American Memory
• Abraham Lincoln's Last Reception American Memory
• Lincoln taking the oath at his second inauguration, March 4, 1865 American Memory 
• Letter from Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase to Mrs. Abraham Lincoln, March 4, 1865 American Memory
• Inauguration Ball to Mr. and Mrs. Lazarus Noble, Saturday, March 04, 1865 American Memory
• Washington D.C. 1865, David E. Herold, one of the Lincoln assassination conspirators  Prints and Photographs
• Washington, District of Columbia. Execution of the conspirators: View of the scaffold Prints and Photographs
• Washington Navy Yard, District of Columbia, Samuel Arnold, a conspirator (seated) Prints and Photographs
• Washington D.C., 1865-Michael O'Laughlen, one of the Lincoln assassination conspirators Prints and Photographs
• President Abraham Lincoln's hearse, Springfield S.M. Fassett, photographer, Chicago Prints and Photographs
• Home of Mr. Petersen, opposite Ford's Theatre, Washington, D.C., where the President died; house of Wm. H. Seward, Washington, D.C. Prints and Photographs
• William A. Petersen house, 516 Tenth Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia, D.C. American Memory 
• Coffin containing the remains of President Lincoln; small doors leading to the President's box, Ford's Theatre..., Murder of President Lincoln; Mr. Lincoln carried from the theatre to Petersen's house, opposite; Booth's stable..; Rear of Ford's Theatre.. showing door by which Booth made his escape Prints and Photographs
• Ford's Theatre, 511 Tenth Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia D.C. Prints and Photographs 
• Ford's Theatre, Washington D.C. Prints and Photographs
• Assassination of President Lincoln: at Ford's Theatre, Washington D.C., April 14, 1865 American Memory
• Eugenie to Mary Todd Lincoln, April 28, 1865 (Condolences in French) American Memory
• Louis Philippe to Mary Todd Lincoln, Friday, May 15, 1865 (Condolences) American Memory
• John Bigelow to Mary Todd Lincoln, Friday, December 7, 1866 (Sends gold medal from French republicans) American Memory
• The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865, Volume 3, January 1, 1864-May 30, 1865, April 30, 1865 American Memory
• Queen Victoria to Mary Todd Lincoln, Saturday, April 29, 1865 (Condolences) American Memory
• The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865, Volume 3, January 1, 1864-May 30, 1865, May 20, 1865 American Memory
• The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865, Volume 3, January 1, 1864-May 30, 1865, April 14, 1865 American Memory
• Telegram extra. Assassination of Abraham Lincoln. J. Wilkie Booth the assassin. Secy Seward and his son Frederick wounded ... War department, 1.30 A. M. April 15th, 1865. American Memory.
• James S. Knox to Knox, Saturday, April 15, 1865 (Eyewitness account of Lincoln's assassination) American Memory

Other Resources

• Second Inaugural Address of Abraham Lincoln: Yale University Avalon Project Second Inaugural Address of Abraham Lincoln
• Abraham Lincoln Second Inaugural Address:National Center for Public Policy Research Abraham Lincoln Second Inaugural Address
• Trial of the Lincoln Assassination Conspirators University of Missouri-Kansas City Trial of the Lincoln Assassination Conspirators
• Surrat House Museum

« 1863