Mystery Files (2010)

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.