abraham lincoln

5 articles

Dec29

1913Who was the first Canadian-born doctor of African descent and cared for dying President Abraham Lincoln in Washington, D.C.?

Dr. Anderson Ruffin Abbott, born in Toronto in 1837, became the first Canadian-born doctor of African descent and played a key role in both Canadian and American history. Not only did he rise to surgeon-in-chief and serve with distinction during the American Civil War, but he was also present at the bedside of President Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination in Washington, D.C. Uniquely, Mary Todd Lincoln later honored him with a plaid shawl worn by the late president, and Abbott’s remarkable career included founding the Freedmen's Hospital and serving as Toronto's first Black coroner. His legacy is still celebrated today, 112 years after his death, as a pioneer of medicine and equality.

Oct16

1896What was the first monument in the world dedicated to journalists killed in combat?

The world’s first monument honoring journalists killed in combat stands at South Mountain, Maryland, conceived and built by famed Civil War correspondent George Alfred Townsend in 1896. Named the War Correspondents Memorial Arch, it pays tribute to 157 writers, artists, and photographers from both sides of the conflict who chronicled the events of the war. Distinctive for its 50-foot height, Moorish horseshoe arch, and eclectic mix of symbolic figures—like a statue of Pan and busts labeled "SPEED" and "HEED"—the memorial remained unique for 90 years before similar tributes appeared. This historic landmark, now part of Gathland State Park, continues to recognize the sacrifices of journalists on the battlefield more than 129 years after its dedication.

Apr15

1865Why are the remains of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln resting in a concrete vault ten feet below the floor of the burial chamber?

The remains of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, rest in a concrete vault ten feet beneath the floor of his tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. After his assassination in 1865, a near-theft of Lincoln’s body in 1876 and continuing threats led to extraordinary security measures to ensure his perpetual safety. In September 1901, his casket was identified one final time before being encased in a steel cage and entombed under 4,000 pounds of cement, making it virtually impossible to disturb. Lincoln's journey to lasting peace involved 17 moves of his casket before this remarkable burial, which remains a unique chapter in American presidential history.

Dec25

1821Who was nicknamed the "Angel of the Battlefield" during the American Civil War and founded the American Red Cross in 1881?

Clara Harlowe Barton, known as the "Angel of the Battlefield," was a pioneering nurse, educator, and humanitarian from Oxford, Massachusetts, who played a crucial role during the American Civil War. Risking her own safety, Barton provided frontline care and supplies to wounded soldiers at major battles, later founding the American Red Cross in 1881 despite initial resistance from government officials. On September 17, 1862, at the Battle of Antietam, she delivered vital aid, an act commemorated by a granite monument at the battlefield, which features a red cross crafted from a brick of her childhood home. Today, more than 145 years after the founding of the American Red Cross, her legacy continues through the ongoing work she inspired and the memorials that honor her enduring impact.

Feb12

1809Which U.S. President is known as the 'Savior of the Union' and emancipator of the slaves?

Abraham Lincoln, born in a humble log cabin near Hodgenville, Kentucky, rose to become the 16th President of the United States and is celebrated as the 'Savior of the Union' and emancipator of the slaves. His leadership during the Civil War not only preserved the nation but also led to the historic Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which paved the way for the abolition of slavery. The 19-foot-tall statue of Lincoln inside the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., carved by the Piccirilli brothers under Daniel Chester French’s direction, stands as a powerful tribute to his enduring legacy. As of 12 February 2026, Americans mark the 217th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, reflecting on a figure whose vision and resilience forever shaped the course of U.S. history.