Sangamo County, Illinois

Lincoln began his political career in Sangamo County. He had a successful campaign there for the state legislature in 1834.

Hardin County, Kentucky

Lincoln was born in 1809 in the rural area of Hardin County. He grew up on a farm, and his rural life experiences strongly influenced his later political rhetoric.

Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854

The Kansas-Nebraska act created the states of Kansas and Nebraska and paved the way for them to become slave states. The act compelled Lincoln to re-enter politics and argue for an antislavery position.

The Lincoln-Douglas Debates

An 1858 Senatorial election set the stage for seven rigorous debates between Republican Abraham Lincoln and Democrat Stephen Douglas. Slavery became the central issue between the two men. Douglas went on to win the Senator's seat, but Lincoln scored the greater victory eventually by winning the presidential election of 1860.

Fort Sumter

Lincoln ordered 75,000 militia troops to Fort...