

Lincoln in 1860

Library of Congress Pre-Presidential Political Timeline At age 23, with no real qualifications and a very limited formal education, Abraham Lincoln ran for his first Illinois political office. He failed in that campaign for the state legislature, but two years later gained a seat as a member of the Whig Party. The following timeline provides a brief glimpse of his political career before the presidency. It consisted mainly of service in the Illinois General Assembly and one term in Congress. In 1856 he joined the newly formed Republican Party; two years later he ran for the U.S. Senate, making a name for himself in those famous debates. By 1860 he became the first Republican to win a presidential election. The highly ambitious Lincoln also was a self-taught lawyer who built up a successful practice in Springfield, Illinois. His work included traveling the old Eighth Judicial Circuit, which enhanced his political opportunities, sharpened his public speaking abilities, and gave him time for serious study and reflection. This slow-but-sure effort reflects the real Lincoln, who reminds us of a story -- the fable of the tortoise and the hare. Timeline MARCH 9, 1832

Makes first-known published political announcement AUGUST 6, 1832

Loses first race for Illinois House of Representatives AUGUST 4, 1834

Wins election to first term in Illinois House of Representatives AUGUST 1, 1836

Wins election to second term in Illinois House of Representatives JANUARY 11, 1837

Gives first published speech in Illinois legislature MARCH 3, 1837

Makes first public declaration against slavery JANUARY 27, 1838

Delivers speech on "Perpetuation of Our Political Institutions" AUGUST 6, 1838

Wins election to third term in the Illinois House of Representatives DECEMBER 3, 1838

Loses bid for Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives JUNE 24, 1839

Wins election to Springfield town board OCTOBER 7, 1839

Attends first Whig Party state convention AUGUST 3, 1840

Wins election to fourth term in the Illinois House of Representatives MAY 1, 1843

Attends Whig Party district convention in Pekin, Illinois OCTOBER 25 - NOVEMBER 6, 1844

Speaks in Illinois and Indiana on behalf of Henry Clay MAY 1, 1846

Wins Whig Party nomination for Seventh Congressional District AUGUST 3, 1846

Wins election to Congress as Whig Party representative DECEMBER 6, 1847

Takes seat in U.S. House of Representatives DECEMBER 22, 1847

Presents "Spot Resolutions" in U.S. House of Representatives JUNE 7-9, 1848

Attends national Whig Party convention in Philadelphia JULY 4, 1848

Probably attends Washington Monument cornerstone ceremony SEPTEMBER 12-22, 1848

Speaks on behalf of Zachary Taylor in Massachusetts JANUARY 10, 1849

Proposes amendment to abolish slavery in District of Columbia MARCH 4, 1849

Ends first and only term in U.S. House of Representatives SEPTEMBER 27, 1849

Declines appointment as governor of Oregon Territory JULY 6, 1852

Delivers a eulogy on Henry Clay in Springfield OCTOBER 16, 1854

Gives famous anti-Nebraska Act speech in Peoria, Illinois NOVEMBER 7, 1854

Wins election to Illinois House of Representatives NOVEMBER 10, 1854

Decides to run for U.S. Senate instead DECEMBER 23, 1854

Special election held to choose his successor to Illinois legislature FEBRUARY 8, 1855

Loses bid for Senate when Illinois legislature elects Lyman Trumbull MAY 29, 1856

Delivers stirring "lost speech" as a Republican in Bloomington, Illinois JUNE 19, 1856

Considered for vice president at first Republican National Convention AUGUST 27, 1856

Makes political speech at a Republican rally in Kalamazoo, Michigan JUNE 26, 1857

Speaks against Dred Scott court decision in Springfield, Illinois JUNE 16, 1858

Chosen as U.S. Senate candidate by Illinois Republican Convention; gives "House Divided" speech AUGUST 21, 1858

Begins first of seven formal debates with Democrat Stephen A. Douglas NOVEMBER 2, 1858

Wins Senate popular vote but loses election to Douglas SEPTEMBER 16 - OCTOBER 5, 1859

Makes speaking tour of Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 6, 1859

Makes speaking tour of northeastern Kansas FEBRUARY 27, 1860

Gives famous Cooper Union speech in New York City FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 10, 1860

Makes speaking tour of New England states MAY 9 - 10, 1860

Receives support of Illinois Republican Convention for president MAY 18, 1860

Receives Republican nomination for president with running mate Hannibal Hamlin NOVEMBER 6, 1860

Wins election as first Republican president in a four-way race MARCH 4, 1861

Takes oath of office as sixteenth president of the U.S. Timeline Sources: The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Roy P. Basler and others; Lincoln Day by Day edited by Earl Miers