Mystery Files S01E09 - Abraham Lincoln
S01E09 Abraham Lincoln
Episode Overview
Abraham Lincoln, who emerged from humble beginnings to become the 16th President of the United States and one of its most celebrated figures, met a tragic fate when he was assassinated on April 15, 1865. This event marked the beginning of a legend that often overshadows his true character. Scholars Michael Burlingame, James McPherson, and Harold Holzer delve into Lincoln’s lesser-known early years, highlighting how they shaped his future decisions. Growing up on the American frontier in poverty, Lincoln harbored a strong aversion to his rural life and was driven by a fierce ambition to rise above his father's legacy. He devoted his free time to reading, becoming one of the era’s most notable self-taught individuals, eventually entering politics and practicing law.