The Surprising Story of Abraham Lincoln Without a Beard

Abraham Lincoln is one of the most iconic figures in American history. Known for his leadership during the Civil War and his advocacy for abolishing slavery, Lincoln's image is often associated with his distinctive beard. However, did you know that there was a time when Lincoln didn't have a beard? In this blog post, we'll explore the surprising story behind Abraham Lincoln's decision to grow a beard and how it became an integral part of his identity.

Pre-Beard Lincoln

Prior to growing his famous beard, Abraham Lincoln had a clean-shaven face. He was clean-shaven during his early political career and throughout his first presidential campaign. In fact, when Lincoln won the 1860 presidential election, he did not have a beard.

However, everything changed when an 11-year-old girl named Grace Bedell wrote a letter to Lincoln in October 1860. In her letter, Bedell suggested that Lincoln should grow a beard as it would make him look "a great deal better." She argued that it would also help him win more votes from women, who were becoming an increasingly important constituency in American politics.

Lincoln received Bedell's letter while on the campaign trail in Westfield, New York. He was touched by her suggestion and promptly responded, "As to the whiskers, having never worn any, do you not think people would call it a piece of silly affection if I were to begin it now?" However, he added, "I will try it if you desire it." Lincoln saw the potential impact of appealing to female voters and decided to take Bedell's advice.

The Birth of the Beard

After receiving Bedell's letter, Lincoln began the process of growing a beard. It wasn't an overnight transformation, as growing a full beard takes time and patience. However, by the time Lincoln made his journey to Washington, D.C., for his inauguration on March 4, 1861, he had a full beard.

Lincoln's new look surprised and intrigued the public. Newspapers reported on his beard, and people were curious about the story behind it. The beard became a symbol of change and growth, both personally and politically. It marked the beginning of Lincoln's presidency and his commitment to leading the nation through one of its darkest periods.

Impact on Lincoln's Image

The addition of a beard drastically changed Lincoln's appearance. In an era when beards were not as common as they are today, Lincoln stood out from the crowd. His tall stature, combined with his newly grown facial hair, made him instantly recognizable.

The beard also had a significant impact on how people perceived Lincoln. Prior to growing a beard, he was often described as awkward-looking and even homely. However, the addition of facial hair gave him a more distinguished and presidential appearance. The beard added a sense of gravitas to his image, which helped to solidify his role as a leader during a tumultuous time in American history.

The Legacy of Lincoln's Beard

Lincoln's beard became an iconic part of his image and legacy. It is difficult to imagine him without it. The beard has been immortalized in countless portraits, statues, and other depictions of Lincoln throughout history.

Today, when we think of Abraham Lincoln, we often picture him with his distinctively large stature and his majestic beard. The beard has become synonymous with Lincoln's strength, wisdom, and determination. It serves as a constant reminder of his pivotal role in shaping the United States and his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

Find Your Own Lincoln Costume

If you're a history buff or simply looking for a unique costume idea for your next party or event, why not consider dressing up as Abraham Lincoln himself? Costume-Shop.com offers a wide range of high-quality costumes, including an authentic Abraham Lincoln ensemble complete with his iconic top hat and beard. You can find the perfect Lincoln costume at Costume-Shop.com.

Whether you're an avid fan of Abraham Lincoln or simply want to pay tribute to one of America's greatest presidents, dressing up as Lincoln is a surefire way to make a statement at your next costume event. So head over to Costume-Shop.com and explore their extensive collection of costumes today!