Abraham Lincoln Timeline for Kids
Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin and grew up to be the 16th president of the United States. He led the country through a terrible war and helped end slavery. This timeline tells the story of his life.
Cut and Order Activity
Cut out the seven picture cards and glue them in order on the timeline.
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The timeline
1809Born in a Log Cabin
Abraham Lincoln is born in Kentucky. His home is a log cabin with one room and a dirt floor. His family is poor.
Why it matters: He showed that a person from a poor family could become president.
1816A Boy Who Loved Books
The Lincoln family moves to Indiana. Abe helps on the farm. He goes to school for less than one year in all, but he reads every book he can find.
Why it matters: He taught himself most of what he knew.
1837A Lawyer in Illinois
Lincoln moves to Springfield, Illinois. He works as a lawyer. People call him Honest Abe because he tells the truth.
Why it matters: People trusted him, and they began to vote for him.
1860Elected President
Lincoln is elected the 16th president. The country is split over slavery. Soon, states in the South begin to leave the United States.
Why it matters: Lincoln said the country must stay together.
1861The Civil War Begins
A war starts between the North and the South. It is called the Civil War. It lasts four years, and many people die.
Why it matters: Lincoln had to lead the country through its hardest time.
1863Freedom
Lincoln signs the Emancipation Proclamation. It says that enslaved people in the South are free. Later that year he gives a famous speech at Gettysburg.
Why it matters: The war was now a fight to end slavery.
1865The War Ends
The North wins the war in April. A few days later, Lincoln is shot while watching a play. He dies the next morning. That year, slavery ends in the whole country.
Why it matters: Lincoln is remembered as one of the greatest presidents.
Words to know
- log cabin: a small house made of logs
- lawyer: a person whose job is to help people with the law
- president: the leader of the United States
- slavery: when people are owned by others and forced to work
Quiz
- Where was Abraham Lincoln born?
A. In a palace B. In a log cabin in Kentucky C. On a ship - How did Lincoln learn most of what he knew?
A. He went to school for 20 years B. He watched TV C. He read every book he could find - What number president was Lincoln?
A. The 16th B. The 1st C. The 50th - What was the war between the North and the South called?
A. The Space Race B. The Civil War C. The Revolution - What did the Emancipation Proclamation say?
A. Taxes must be paid on tea B. Thanksgiving is a holiday C. Enslaved people in the South are free
Show answers
1. B (In a log cabin in Kentucky) 2. C (He read every book he could find) 3. A (The 16th) 4. B (The Civil War) 5. C (Enslaved people in the South are free)
The pictures are illustrations made for this timeline. They show what these people and places may have looked like.