On President’s Day in 2012 a group of historians at new Ford's Theatre Center for Education and Leadership in Washington D.C. decided to commemorate their 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. They decided to make a monument using all the books written about Abraham Lincoln, which resulted in a tower of over 15,000 books—measuring about eight feet around and 34 feet tall (Forget Lincoln Logs). Abraham Lincoln has been the subject of thousands of books, television shows, and even movies such as; Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Steven Spielburg’s Lincoln. Paul Tetreault, director of Ford's Theatre made the comment; "It makes a real statement to anyone that this is an important guy and there was a whole lot written about him…” (Forget Lincoln Logs). That being said, being the subject of so many peoples’ work allows for myths to develop, spread and possibly romanticize or corrupt the perception one has on a historical icon like Abraham Lincoln.
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I am going to discuss four myths about Abraham Lincoln: “Honest Abe,” “Melancholy president or clinically depressed man,” “The Great Emancipator,” and “The Gay Lincoln Myth.” I will also discuss historians’ points of views and first-hand accounts about these myths, including Lincoln’s opinions in his own words if it is appropriate. Finally I will discuss how society views him today in movies and television and discuss if mythicizing a historical figure is harmful to the way we perceive
I am going to discuss four myths about Abraham Lincoln: “Honest Abe,” “Melancholy president or clinically depressed man,” “The Great Emancipator,” and “The Gay Lincoln Myth.” I will also discuss historians’ points of views and first-hand accounts about these myths, including Lincoln’s opinions in his own words if it is appropriate. Finally I will discuss how society views him today in movies and television and discuss if mythicizing a historical figure is harmful to the way we perceive