Abraham Lincoln: Examining the Dichotomy of Myths and Historical Facts

This essay examines several myths surrounding Abraham Lincoln, contrasting them with established historical facts. It addresses the myth that Lincoln owned slaves, clarifying that while his wife's relatives did, Lincoln himself was a staunch opponent of slavery. The essay also debunks the myth of the copper beech tree at the Soldier's Home being a silent witness to Lincoln's activities, as well as claims about Lincoln's sexuality and ownership of the Soldier's Home. The analysis reveals how the lives of famous figures often become intertwined with myths, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between popular belief and historical truth. Desklib provides students access to similar essays and solved assignments.

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Abraham Lincoln, the great is the leader who showed light and path to the American
people through a time of great crisis and turmoil. He is one of the greatest figure for the action
who stood up for constitutional, political, humane and moral values for the society during the
years of civil unrest. He is the most prominent figure of the period who abolished slavery and
helped in the strengthening of the federal government in United States. The economy of United
States could modernize due to his contributions as he preserved the union. There are several
myths and facts which can be heard about the famous personality. Some of the myths which
concern Abraham Lincoln will be discussed in this essay contrasting with the facts.
One of the most heard myth about Abraham Lincoln is that he owned slaves while he
himself was against the slave trade (Lincolncottage.org). He is the revolutionary, to have made
history for his contributions for the abolishment of the slave trade leading to civil wars. This can
be considered to be nothing but a myth as it bears no truth. Neither Lincoln himself, nor was his
father, who is also talked about, for having associated with the slave trade, has any relation with
the act. However, his wife, Mary had relatives who lived in Kentucky was reputed for owning
slaves. Lincoln fought for the cause and he can, by no means, he held accountable for the actions
of Mary’s relatives, who had slaves. It is also heard that this happened even prior to he came to
know Mary. The myth is very unlikely to bear any truth as Abraham Lincoln has devoted his life
to change history and fight for the rights of the people who were oppressed in America for years
and ultimately put an end to the gruesome slave trade.
The second myth which concerns Abraham Lincoln has almost taken shape of a lore,
which is heard and passed n for generations, in the awe and memory of Lincoln, the great. The
myth is about a copper beech tree which is found at the soldier home (Lincolncottage.org). The
tree is considered to be a witnessed to some years of Lincoln’s life. The tree bears significance as

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it brings memory and stands as a testimony of time and Lincoln’s time. The myth has been
passed on for over years, which people believe in, grow intrigued about. The lore which is heard
about the cottage stood there and is believed to have witnessed Lincoln spending time in its
shade, reading, writing and even playing with his own son. The tree was found to be diseased,
which it fought for a long time, after which a considerable amount had to be cut off. Some of the
extract from the tree was tested by some experts and found out that the tree might have lived
during Lincoln’s time but did not attain maturity to provide shade and fulfill the purposes which
are often heard about in the lore. Therefore, the myth does not hold truth.
There have been myths which tell that Abraham Lincoln was fond of male and even had
male lovers. These conjectures suggest that Lincoln was gay (Lincolncottage.org). Some people
are more than eager to believe in it, while others dismiss it readily. However, any hit of affection
cannot substantiate sexual interest of a person. One of the male members, Captain Derickson,
was closest to Lincoln and gave protection to Lincoln is speculated to be his lover. The most
common evidence which is held for the testimony is that they shared bed. However, grown up
men, who share men, do not necessarily have romantic and sexual involvement. Moreover, in the
modernized war, sharing a bed, does not at all signify any involvement as such, for which the
myth can be busted.
A lesser heard myth which is also heard about Braham Lincoln is about the Soldier’s
home. People have a misconception that Lincoln owned the Soldier’s home (Lincolncottage.org).
This also came in print, in the recent times, even though there are no such proof for the claims.
However, the truth is that Lincoln, never owned the cottage. He was rather invited by the
Soldier’s Home, Board of Commissioners to spend each spring, along with his family. However,
it should also be noted that Lincoln was not the only president who had the privilege of staying at

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the Soldier’s Home. Other Presidents who stayed there include Buchanan, Arthur and Hayes,
during the years of their presidencies. Therefore, it is nothing but a myth, which has been in
circulation lacking any validity.
It can thus be stated, that famous personalities’ lives are presented and preserved in the
minds of the people with several myths. However, only few are true. There are many which can
be heard about the great, Abraham Lincoln, which have been discussed in the essay.

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References
Lincolncottage.org. "10 Myths About President Lincoln". Lincolncottage.Org, 2020,
https://www.lincolncottage.org/10-myths-about-president-lincoln/.