Abraham Lincoln Trivia Questions

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  • 1/40 Questions

    Was Abraham Lincoln born in a one-room log cabin near what is now Hodgenville, Kentucky?

    • True
    • False
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About This Quiz

Known as “Honest Abe,” Lincoln is one of America’s most admired presidents, but there is more to him than just his famous speeches. In this Abraham Lincoln Quiz, you will dive into the life, achievements, and challenges faced by the 16th president of the United States.

Get ready to test your knowledge on everything Lincoln: his rise in politics, his fight for equality, and the tough decisions he made to keep the nation united. Whether you are a history buff or just curious about one of America’s greatest leaders, these Abraham Lincoln trivia questions are sure to teach you something new and surprising!

Abraham Lincoln Trivia Questions - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Which war was being fought during President Lincoln’s time in office?

    • World War I

    • World War II

    • French and British

    • Civil War

    Correct Answer
    A. Civil War
    Explanation
    During President Lincoln's term, the Civil War was being fought. This war took place from 1861 to 1865 and was fought between the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states (Confederacy) over issues such as slavery and states' rights. President Lincoln played a crucial role in leading the Union to victory and in issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared the freedom of slaves in Confederate territory. The Civil War is a significant event in American history, and President Lincoln's leadership during this time is widely recognized and celebrated.

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  • 3. 

    Which war began while Abraham Lincoln was president?

    • World War I

    • World War II

    • Civil War

    • War of the Worlds

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Civil War
    Explanation
    The Civil War began in 1861, shortly after Abraham Lincoln took office as president, and lasted until 1865. This conflict between the Union (Northern states) and the Confederacy (Southern states) was primarily about slavery and states' rights. Lincoln's leadership played a critical role in preserving the Union and led to the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared freedom for slaves in Confederate-held territories.

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  • 4. 

    Was Abraham Lincoln laid to rest on May 4, 1865, in Oak Ridge Cemetery, outside Springfield, Illinois?

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
     Abraham Lincoln was indeed laid to rest on May 4, 1865, in Oak Ridge Cemetery, located outside Springfield, Illinois. After his assassination, his body was transported by train on a two-week journey from Washington, D.C., to Springfield, where he had lived before his presidency. Oak Ridge Cemetery became Lincoln’s final resting place, and his tomb has since become a national historic site. The burial site honors his legacy, with many visiting to pay their respects to the president who led the nation through the Civil War and abolished slavery.

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  • 5. 

    Where was Lincoln buried?

    • Hardin County, Kentucky

    • Frankfort, Kentucky

    • Springfield, Illinois

    • Chicago, Illinois

    • Tompkinsville, KY

    Correct Answer
    A. Springfield, Illinois
    Explanation
    Lincoln was buried in Springfield, Illinois. This is where he lived and worked for many years, and it is also the location of his final resting place. Springfield holds a significant historical connection to Lincoln as it was the capital of Illinois during his time as president. Additionally, the Lincoln Tomb, located in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of his legacy.

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  • 6. 

    On November 19, 1863, did Abraham Lincoln deliver his Gettysburg Address at the dedication of Gettysburg National Cemetery?

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863, at the dedication ceremony for the Gettysburg National Cemetery. This short, poignant speech, only about 272 words, emphasized the ideals of equality, freedom, and democracy. Lincoln reminded the nation that the Civil War was a test of whether a country founded on those principles could endure.

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  • 7. 

    What was the name of the man who assassinated President Lincoln?

    • James Wilkes Booth

    • John Wilkes Booth

    • George Wilkes Booth

    • Jefferson Wilkes Booth

    Correct Answer
    A. John Wilkes Booth
    Explanation
    John Wilkes Booth, a well-known actor and Confederate sympathizer, assassinated President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865. He shot Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., and Lincoln died the next day. Booth was part of a larger conspiracy aimed at top government officials, though he was the only one to succeed in carrying out the plan.

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  • 8. 

    What was unique about Lincoln's son, Robert Todd Lincoln?

    • He became one of the most successful farmers in Indiana.

    • He was the only child of Lincoln to live to adulthood.

    • He was a traveling salesman and traded with the Indians.

    • He became the president after his father's assassination.

    Correct Answer
    A. He was the only child of Lincoln to live to adulthood.
    Explanation
    Robert Todd Lincoln was the only child of Abraham Lincoln to live to adulthood. His three other siblings died at young ages, with only Robert surviving into adulthood. This makes him special as the sole child of Lincoln to reach maturity and continue his father's legacy.

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  • 9. 

    "A house divided against itself cannot stand" is a quote by...

    • President Obama

    • President Lincoln

    • Joh Wikkes Booth

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. President Lincoln
    Explanation
    The quote "A house divided against itself cannot stand" is attributed to President Lincoln. This quote is from his famous speech delivered in 1858 during his campaign for the Illinois Senate seat. In the speech, Lincoln discusses the issue of slavery and the division it was causing in the United States. He emphasizes the importance of unity and warns that a nation divided cannot survive. This quote has since become synonymous with the idea that unity is essential for a country's strength and stability.

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  • 10. 

    Was young Abraham Lincoln kicked in the head by a horse and thought to be dead for a brief time?

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Young Abraham Lincoln did experience a near-death incident when he was kicked in the head by a horse, causing him to be unconscious and thought dead for a short time. This event occurred during his early life in Indiana, underscoring the rugged, sometimes dangerous life of frontier families. The incident left a lasting impression on Lincoln and his family. His close encounter with death and other childhood challenges helped shape his resilience and determination, qualities that he carried into adulthood and his later political career.

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  • 11. 

    Which two men were Lincoln's vice Presidents?

    • Tom Gee and John Thompson

    • Hannibal Hamlin and Andrew Johnson

    • Micheal Jordan and Andrew Watson

    • Tammy Sue and Jenny Jenkins

    Correct Answer
    A. Hannibal Hamlin and Andrew Johnson
    Explanation
    Hannibal Hamlin and Andrew Johnson were Lincoln's vice presidents. Hannibal Hamlin served as Lincoln's first vice president during his first term from 1861 to 1865. Andrew Johnson then became Lincoln's vice president for his second term from 1865 until Lincoln's assassination in 1865.

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  • 12. 

     Mrs. Lincoln whispered to her husband, "What will Mrs. Harris think of my hanging on to you so?" Abraham replied, "She won't think anything about it."  was/were President Lincoln's....

    • Last song

    • Last writings

    • Last words

    • Last book

    Correct Answer
    A. Last words
    Explanation
    The given conversation between Mrs. Lincoln and President Lincoln suggests that the question is asking for President Lincoln's last words. This is evident from Mrs. Lincoln's statement and President Lincoln's response, indicating that Mrs. Harris won't think anything about Mrs. Lincoln hanging onto him because he won't be able to say anything anymore. Therefore, the correct answer is "last words."

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  • 13. 

    Which president of the United States was Abraham Lincoln?

    • 1st

    • 14th

    • 43rd

    • 16th

    Correct Answer
    A. 16th
    Explanation
    Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States. He was elected in 1860 and served from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. His presidency, marked by his leadership during the Civil War and the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, cemented his legacy as one of America’s greatest presidents.

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  • 14. 

    On which United States coin is Abraham Lincoln featured?

    • Quarter

    • Dime

    • Penny

    • Nickel

    Correct Answer
    A. Penny
    Explanation
    Abraham Lincoln is featured on the United States penny, a coin that has carried his likeness since 1909, in honor of his 100th birthday. His portrait was the first on an American coin, celebrating his legacy as the 16th president who preserved the Union and emancipated enslaved people. The penny, along with the Lincoln Memorial on its reverse (until 2008), pays tribute to Lincoln’s role in American history. His image on the penny reminds Americans of his contributions to freedom, unity, and democracy, making it a fitting symbol of his enduring impact.

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  • 15. 

    Was Lincoln the first president to be photographed at his inauguration, with John Wilkes Booth visible standing nearby in the photo?

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Abraham Lincoln was indeed the first president to be photographed at his inauguration in 1861. In a chilling twist of fate, John Wilkes Booth, who would later assassinate Lincoln, can be seen standing in the crowd in this historic photograph. This image captures an unsettling connection between the president and his eventual assassin, adding a haunting layer to Lincoln’s legacy. The presence of Booth in this inaugural photograph has fascinated historians, as it foreshadowed the tragic end of Lincoln’s life just four years later and marked a dark chapter in American history.

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  • 16. 

    Which of the following jobs did Lincoln not hold during the early years?

    • Scienctist

    • Postmaster

    • Store Clerk

    • Surveyor

    • Farmer

    Correct Answer
    A. Scienctist
    Explanation
    Although Lincoln held several different jobs in his early life, including postmaster, store clerk, and surveyor, he was never a scientist. Lincoln was known for his strong work ethic and diverse experiences before entering politics, but he did not have a scientific career. His practical work helped him develop skills and knowledge that later influenced his political career.

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  • 17. 

    Where was President Lincoln assassinated?

    • Everett Theatre, Washington DC

    • National Theatre, Washington DC

    • Lincoln Theatre,Washington DC

    • Ford Theatre, Washington DC

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Ford Theatre, Washington DC
    Explanation
    President Lincoln was assassinated at Ford Theatre in Washington DC. This historic event took place on April 14, 1865, when John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln while he was watching a play. The assassination of President Lincoln at Ford Theatre is a well-known and significant event in American history.

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  • 18. 

    What U.S. paper currency features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln?

    • $1 bill

    • $5 bill

    • $10 bill

    • $20 bill

    Correct Answer
    A. $5 bill
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the $5 bill. The $5 bill features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. The portrait of Lincoln has been on the front of the $5 bill since 1914. The bill also includes other symbols and images, such as the Lincoln Memorial on the back.

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  • 19. 

    Did Abraham Lincoln have one stepbrother and one stepsister?

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Abraham Lincoln had one stepbrother, John D. Johnston, and one stepsister, Matilda Johnston, from his mother’s remarriage to Thomas Lincoln after the death of his biological mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln. His father’s marriage to Sarah Bush Johnston brought these two step-siblings into his family. Growing up with a stepfamily was a formative experience for Lincoln, who valued his stepmother’s support and care deeply. 

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  • 20. 

    In which state was Abraham Lincoln born?

    • Illinois

    • Kentucky

    • Indiana

    • Virginia

    • Texas

    Correct Answer
    A. Kentucky
    Explanation
    Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Hodgenville, Kentucky. This birthplace is a significant historical site, often visited by those interested in Lincoln's early life. Lincoln’s family moved to Indiana when he was seven, but his Kentucky birthplace is well-documented and contributes to his legacy as a humble, self-made leader.

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  • 21. 

    Was Abraham Lincoln the first president to be born outside the original 13 states?

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was indeed the first president born outside the original 13 colonies. He was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin near Hodgenville, Kentucky, which had joined the Union as the 15th state in 1792. This marked a shift in the geographic origin of U.S. presidents, many of whom had previously been born in the original Eastern states. Lincoln’s Kentucky birthplace reflects the westward expansion of the U.S. and symbolizes his connection to frontier life, shaping his values and leadership.

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  • 22. 

    What killed Lincoln's mother?

    • Milk sickness

    • An accident while cooking

    • A fall from a tree

    • An attack from a farm animal

    Correct Answer
    A. Milk sickness
    Explanation
    Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, died of milk sickness in 1818. Milk sickness was caused by drinking milk from cows that had eaten the toxic white snakeroot plant. This illness was common in frontier areas where white snakeroot grew abundantly, and it tragically claimed the lives of many, including Nancy.

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  • 23. 

    What play was Lincoln watching when he was shot?

    • America to Arms

    • Our American Cousin

    • My Darling American

    • American Graffiti

    Correct Answer
    A. Our American Cousin
    Explanation
    Lincoln was attending the play Our American Cousin at Ford's Theatre when he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. The play, a comedic performance, provided Booth with an opportunity to shoot Lincoln during a loud moment in the scene, which he thought would allow him to escape without detection.

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  • 24. 

    Did John Wilkes Booth's brother once save Abraham Lincoln's son's life?

    • True

    • Flase

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    John Wilkes Booth's brother did indeed save Abraham Lincoln's son's life. Edwin Booth, a famous actor and brother of John Wilkes Booth, rescued Robert Todd Lincoln from a train platform accident in 1864. Robert Todd Lincoln had fallen between the platform and the train, and Edwin Booth pulled him to safety. This act of heroism occurred before John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Lincoln in 1865.

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  • 25. 

    Who was Lincoln's favorite author?

    • Edgar Allan Poe

    • Major Rathbone

    • Hannibal Hamlin

    • Andrew Johnson

    • John Wilkes Booth

    Correct Answer
    A. Edgar Allan Poe
    Explanation
    Lincoln's favorite author was Edgar Allen Poe. This suggests that Lincoln enjoyed Poe's works and found them to be influential or enjoyable. Poe was a renowned writer known for his dark and mysterious tales, and it is possible that Lincoln appreciated his unique storytelling style. Lincoln's fondness for Poe's writing may have provided him with a source of entertainment and inspiration during his presidency.

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  • 26. 

    Where did Lincoln carry letters, bills, and notes?

    • His hat.

    • His briefcase.

    • His left front pocket.

    • His back pocket.

    Correct Answer
    A. His hat.
    Explanation
    Abraham Lincoln’s habit of carrying letters, bills, and notes in his hat was a practical choice, allowing him to store and quickly access small but important documents. In the 1800s, hats were often used for this purpose, as pockets or bags were not always convenient or accessible. This practice highlights Lincoln’s resourcefulness and his down-to-earth approach to organization, showing that he relied on simple solutions in daily life. 

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  • 27. 

    Where was the only house Abraham Lincoln ever owned located?

    • Chicago

    • Kentucky

    • Springfield

    • Nashville

    • Jamestown

    Correct Answer
    A. Springfield
    Explanation
    Abraham Lincoln owned a home in Springfield, Illinois, where he lived for most of his adult life before becoming president. This house, known as the Lincoln Home, is preserved as a National Historic Site. It served as Lincoln’s residence during his career as a lawyer and politician, symbolizing his connection to Illinois.

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  • 28. 

    Lincoln had a cat named "Bob," a turkey named "Jack," and a dog named "Jib."

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Abraham Lincoln’s pets included a cat named Bob, a turkey named Jack, and a dog named Jib. Lincoln’s affection for animals showed his compassionate and caring side, which complemented his leadership qualities. Jack, the turkey, was even “pardoned” by Lincoln, marking one of the earliest instances of a presidential turkey pardon. This connection to animals helped humanize Lincoln and made him relatable to the public. 

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  • 29. 

    With which two political parties was Abraham Lincoln associated?

    • Whig and Republican

    • Whig and Democrat

    • Only Republican

    • Only Democrat

    • Republican and Democrat

    Correct Answer
    A. Whig and Republican
    Explanation
    Abraham Lincoln was initially a member of the Whig Party, but after its dissolution in the 1850s, he joined the newly formed Republican Party. He quickly rose to prominence as a Republican leader and eventually became the party's first president. His affiliation with both parties reflects the evolving political landscape of his time.

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  • 30. 

    What was Abraham Lincoln's father's name?

    • Tom

    • Jim

    • Bill

    • John

    Correct Answer
    A. Tom
    Explanation
    Abraham Lincoln’s father was named Thomas, often called Tom. Thomas Lincoln was a farmer and carpenter, and he instilled the values of hard work and honesty in Abraham from a young age. Growing up in a modest environment, Lincoln learned resilience and self-reliance, traits he carried into his political career. 

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  • 31. 

    Where did Lincoln's family move after leaving their home in Kentucky when he was a young boy?

    • Ohio

    • Indiana

    • New Jersey

    • Washington , D. C.

    Correct Answer
    A. Indiana
    Explanation
    Lincoln's family moved from Kentucky to Indiana in 1816 when he was seven years old. They settled in Spencer County, Indiana, where Lincoln spent much of his childhood and developed his early love for learning, despite limited access to formal education.

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  • 32. 

    How many terms did President Lincoln serve?

    • One

    • Two

    • Three

    • Four

    Correct Answer
    A. Two
    Explanation
    Abraham Lincoln served two terms as President of the United States. He was first elected in 1860 and inaugurated in 1861. He was re-elected in 1864 and began his second term in 1865. However, his second term was cut short by his assassination on April 14, 1865.

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  • 33. 

    Which of the following was not one of Abraham Lincoln's nicknames?

    • Honest Abe

    • Rail Splitter

    • The Industrial Giant

    • The Great Emancipator

    Correct Answer
    A. The Industrial Giant
    Explanation
    The Industrial Giant was not one of Abraham Lincoln's nicknames. He was commonly referred to as Honest Abe, Rail Splitter, and The Great Emancipator. The nickname "The Industrial Giant" does not align with Lincoln's known attributes or achievements. He is primarily known for his honesty, his humble beginnings as a rail splitter, and his role in the emancipation of slaves.

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  • 34. 

    How many children did Abraham Lincoln have?

    • 1 girl and 1 boy

    • 2 girls and 2 boys

    • 3 girls

    • 4 boys

    • 5 girls

    Correct Answer
    A. 4 boys
    Explanation
    Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, had four sons: Robert, Edward, William (Willie), and Thomas (Tad). Sadly, only Robert lived to adulthood, while the other three sons passed away at young ages. This personal tragedy deeply affected Lincoln and played a role in shaping his resilience.

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  • 35. 

    Why did John Wilkes Booth wait for a particular time in the play before firing the shot that killed Lincoln?

    • It was the end of the play.

    • It was during intermission.

    • It was at a funny part in the play.

    • It was a very sad part of the play.

    Correct Answer
    A. It was at a funny part in the play.
    Explanation
    Booth waited until a funny moment in the play Our American Cousin to fire his shot. He knew that the audience would laugh, which would mask the sound of the gunshot, creating confusion and giving him an advantage in escaping. This timing was a deliberate tactic in his plan to evade immediate capture.

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  • 36. 

    Did Abraham Lincoln die at 7:22 a.m. on April 15, 1865, at the Petersen House?

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Abraham Lincoln died at 7:22 a.m. on April 15, 1865, at the Petersen House, a boarding house across from Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., where he was shot the previous night by John Wilkes Booth. Lincoln was 56 years old at the time of his death, making him the first U.S. president to be assassinated. His passing marked a turning point for the nation as it faced the challenges of Reconstruction. The Petersen House has since become a historic site, memorializing the somber end of one of America’s most transformative leaders.

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  • 37. 

    Lincoln worked as a _______________ on a Mississippi flatboat.

    • Engineer

    • Capitian

    • Deck hand

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Deck hand
    Explanation
    Lincoln worked as a deck hand on a Mississippi flatboat. This means that he was responsible for various tasks related to the maintenance and operation of the boat, such as assisting with navigation, loading and unloading cargo, and general upkeep. Being a deck hand required physical labor and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

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  • 38. 

    Whom did Abraham Lincoln's father marry after his mother died?

    • Mary Todd

    • Nancy Hanks

    • Sarah Bush Johnston

    • Pocohontas

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Sarah Bush Johnston
    Explanation
     After the death of Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks, in 1818, his father, Thomas Lincoln, remarried in 1819. He married Sarah Bush Johnston, a widow with three children, who became a kind and caring stepmother to young Abraham. Her influence played a positive role in his upbringing.

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  • 39. 

    Which of these facts is not true of Abraham Lincoln?

    • He was the tallest President.

    • He was the first President to have a beard while in office.

    • He is the only President ever to hold a patent.

    • He was the first President to own a dog while in office.

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. He was the first President to own a dog while in office.
    Explanation
    Lincoln was not the first president to own a dog while in office, as other presidents, like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, had pets. However, he was indeed the tallest president, the first to have a beard while serving, and the only president to hold a patent.

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  • 40. 

    How does the famous Lincoln quote complete: "Whatever you are, ...."?

    • ....be all that you can be."

    • ....be a good one."

    • ... be whoever you are."

    • ... be it."

    Correct Answer
    A. ....be a good one."
    Explanation
    This quote by Lincoln encourages individuals to strive for excellence in whatever they do. It implies that regardless of one's occupation or position in life, they should aim to be the best version of themselves and make a positive impact. The phrase "be a good one" suggests that Lincoln believed in the importance of integrity, character, and moral values in all endeavors.

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  • Current Version
  • Apr 21, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Feb 02, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Kpitcock
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