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Crazy But True: Unbelievable Tales of the United States' 16th President

Jeremy Mitchell

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Published in Abraham Lincoln Was A Badass: Crazy But True Stories About The United States 16th President

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: The Man Behind the Myth

Abraham Lincoln, revered as the Great Emancipator and one of America's most iconic presidents, stands as a towering figure in history. Beyond his legacy of preserving the Union and abolishing slavery, Lincoln has left behind a tapestry of extraordinary tales that challenge our perceptions and illuminate the complex character of the man.

Abraham Lincoln Was A Badass: Crazy But True Stories About The United States’ 16th President

by Bill O'Neill

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	135 pages
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1. The Wrestling President

Lincoln, known for his towering stature, was also an avid wrestler in his youth. In 1831, during a wrestling match in New Salem, Illinois, Lincoln engaged in a legendary contest with a local bully, Jack Armstrong. The match lasted for three hours, with neither man able to gain an advantage. When darkness fell, ending the match in a draw, Lincoln famously declared, "I'm the big buck of this lick. If any of you want to try it, come on and whet your horns." The incident not only showcased his physical strength but also hinted at his tenacity and resilience.

A Depiction Of Abraham Lincoln Wrestling Jack Armstrong Abraham Lincoln Was A Badass: Crazy But True Stories About The United States 16th President

2. The Ghostly Apparitions

Tales of the paranormal have followed Lincoln throughout history. Shortly after his assassination in 1865, several people claimed to have witnessed his ghost wandering the White House. One of the most famous accounts is from Elizabeth Keckley, a former slave and White House seamstress, who reported seeing Lincoln's apparition several times. These stories, while unverified, add a touch of eerie mystique to Lincoln's legacy.

A Depiction Of Abraham Lincoln's Ghost Haunting The White House Abraham Lincoln Was A Badass: Crazy But True Stories About The United States 16th President — Legends of Lincoln's ghost have persisted since his assassination.

3. The "Father of Christmas"

While Lincoln is not commonly associated with Christmas, he played a pivotal role in the holiday's evolution. In 1863, amidst the turmoil of the Civil War, he issued a proclamation declaring Christmas a national holiday. The proclamation, prompted by a petition from a young girl, helped to establish the tradition of a federal holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

A Portrait Of Abraham Lincoln With A Christmas Tree Abraham Lincoln Was A Badass: Crazy But True Stories About The United States 16th President

4. The Inventor of the Hat Trick

Baseball is America's pastime, and while Lincoln's enthusiasm for the sport remains unconfirmed, lore suggests that he may have coined the term "hat trick." During a game between the Philadelphia Athletics and the Washington Nationals in 1863, Lincoln allegedly witnessed three consecutive runs by the Athletics. Impressed by the performance, he is said to have exclaimed, "That's a hat trick!" Whether or not this story is true, the term has become synonymous with achieving three consecutive successes in various sports and other endeavors.

A Depiction Of Abraham Lincoln Witnessing A Baseball Game Abraham Lincoln Was A Badass: Crazy But True Stories About The United States 16th President — Lincoln's possible coinage of the term "hat trick" is a baseball legend.

5. The Great Pumpkin Debate

Among Lincoln's eccentricities was his peculiar love of pumpkins. He once grew a giant pumpkin that weighed over 500 pounds. However, in an incident that raised eyebrows, Lincoln is said to have angrily denied accusations that he had stolen the pumpkin from a neighbor. The Great Pumpkin Debate, as it came to be known, remains an unresolved historical mystery.

A Caricature Of Abraham Lincoln With A Giant Pumpkin Abraham Lincoln Was A Badass: Crazy But True Stories About The United States 16th President

6. The Accidental Photographer

Photography was in its infancy during Lincoln's presidency. While not a professional photographer, Lincoln experimented with the medium. An accidental photograph, captured during a portrait session, reveals Lincoln's playful side. In the image, Lincoln's hat is perched on the head of his son, Tad. This candid moment provides a glimpse into the private life of a serious leader.

A Photograph Of Abraham Lincoln With His Son, Tad Abraham Lincoln Was A Badass: Crazy But True Stories About The United States 16th President — Lincoln's accidental photography reveals his playful side.

: A Tapestry of Unforgettable Tales

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, transcended his historical impact to weave a tapestry of extraordinary stories that defy the boundaries of conventional biography. These tales, from his wrestling prowess to ghostly apparitions, from his role in the evolution of Christmas to his pumpkin-growing escapades, paint a vibrant portrait of a complex and enigmatic figure. While some of these anecdotes may be apocryphal, they speak to the enduring fascination with a man who left an indelible mark on American history.

Abraham Lincoln Was A Badass: Crazy But True Stories About The United States’ 16th President

by Bill O'Neill

4.7 out of 5