How Long Was Abraham Lincoln’s Beard?
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, but he may be best remembered for his iconic facial hair. As a child, Lincoln was described as a “rare, wild specimen of uncut human hair.” But as an adult, he started to grow his beard and is one of the most recognizable figures in history thanks to his famously long beard. But how long was Lincoln’s beard exactly?
The short answer is, it’s hard to say. While there are pictures of Lincoln with a full beard, it is difficult to determine exactly how long it was. Some experts believe that it was relatively short, measuring about six inches from chin to the bottom of his beard. Others argue that it could have been much longer, upwards of nine or even twelve inches.
One of the most interesting aspects of Lincoln’s beard is how he got it in the first place. It appears that he was prompted to grow it after receiving a letter from an 11-year-old girl named Grace Bedell. In her letter, Bedell suggested that Lincoln should grow a beard to improve his appearance, which he did. From then on, he was rarely seen without it.
Lincoln’s beard quickly became a symbol of distinction, a symbol of strength, and a symbol of confidence. He was easily distinguishable from other politicians of the time due to his distinct facial hair. Even today, nearly 150 years after his death, his beard remains an iconic symbol of both his presidency and the era in which he lived.
Lincoln’s beard is also seen as a reflection of his character. He famously said “it is not the beard that matters, but the man wearing it.” This may have been Lincoln’s way of saying that it’s not the outward appearance that matters, but the inner qualities of a person that truly make a difference.
Whatever his actual beard length, Lincoln’s facial hair has become a powerful symbol of his tenure as president and of the Civil War era. He has become an icon of strength and courage, a reminder of the power of personal transformation, and a reminder of the greatness of one man’s life and legacy.
The Legacy of Abraham Lincoln’s Beard
Today, and even long after the passing of 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, the power and influence of his iconic beard is still felt, as many Americans and people around the world continue to reference his look in art, advertising, and everyday conversation. As a symbol, his beard represents strength, courage, justice and integrity.
In addition to its symbolic power, Lincoln’s beard also represents a vision of success, as the president was considered somewhat of a role model for aspiring Americans during and after his time. He richly embodied the concept of the working class man achieving the highest of honors through hard work and dedication; going from the backwoods of Kentucky to the White House in Washington D.C. wasn’t an easy feat.
This meteoric rise to the top is commemorate in countless art and literary works, many of which, feature his distinctive facial hair. From artwork created during his lifetime, such as the 1860 Mathew Brady campaign paintings, to Lincoln’s modern-day appearances in television and cinema, his striking beard remains a focal point.
Today, records of the President’s exact beard length may be lost to time, but his facial hair remains deeply rooted within the collective memory of America, and continues to offer historical, political, and aesthetic value to generations of Americans and people around the world.
Why Did Abraham Lincoln Grow His Beard?
Abraham Lincoln is most famously known for his beard, which he grew at the suggestion of eleven-year-old Grace Bedell. Bedell wrote him a letter suggesting he would look better with a beard, and to her surprise, Lincoln heeded her advice. But there could have been more than just vanity at play. Some believe that Lincoln grew his beard to visually distinguish himself from his political opponents and as an appeal to voters in the upcoming election.
Lincoln’s facial hair was also a symbol of the changing times. During this time period, men typically had clean-shaven faces, and Lincoln was a daring exception. His beard made him stand out in a crowd, and this highly visible facial hair was a symbol of the gradual erosion of gender norms.
His beard was also a visual representation of his defiance of expectations and his willingness to take risks. During his time as president, he made several unpopular decisions, such as the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation and his support for the Thirteenth Amendment. His admiration of progress and progressiveness were symbolic of his courage, which was further enhanced by the presence of his iconic facial hair.
Finally, Lincoln’s beard was seen as an expression of his dedication to the cause of justice and equality. To many, his facial hair was a reminder of his pledge to put the needs of the American people before his own. He was willing to make unpopular decisions even though they could cost him politically. In this way, too, his beard was seen as a symbol of his strength, courage, and conviction.
The Popularity of Abraham Lincoln’s Beard in Popular Culture
Abraham Lincoln’s beard has always been a part of his legacy and has had a steady presence in popular culture over the years. As an iconic symbol of his presidency and the era in which he lived, Lincoln’s facial hair has been referenced in literature, film, television, and other types of media.
For example, Lincoln’s beard has been featured in numerous films from the classic 1939 film Young Mr. Lincoln to the 2012 release of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. It has also been seen in television shows such as The Simpsons and The Twilight Zone. Even singer-songwriter John Mellencamp referenced Lincoln’s beard in his 1983 hit, “Jack and Diane.”
The popularity of Lincoln’s beard has also extended beyond the traditional media. Today, there are even companies that sell replica beards as well as facial hair wigs modeled after Lincoln’s style. Some also make a point to recognize his legacy by sporting a waxed moustache commonly referred to as the “Lincoln look.”
It’s clear that, nearly 150 years after his death, Lincoln’s beard still captivates the imagination and admiration of generations of Americans and people around the world. Whether it be in the form of movies, songs, artwork, or other forms of popular culture, his will always be remembered as a symbol of his time, his courage, and his dedication to justice and progress.
Abraham Lincoln’s Beard in Video Games
Abraham Lincoln’s beard has also made an appearance in many video games. Since he is such a renowned historical figure, developers often draw inspiration from his look for game characters. His signature facial hair is featured in a variety of games, from fighting and adventure games to more family-friendly titles.
For example, Lincoln’s beard is included in the fighting game Marvel vs Capcom 3 and the adventure game Assassin’s Creed III. Other titles that have featured his iconic look include the anime-style fighting game Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 and the real-time strategy game American Conquest.
Lincoln’s beard has also been included in a number of family-friendly games. He appears in Disney Infinity as an unlockable character and can also be seen in Scribblenauts Unlimited and Lego Marvel. His look is even featured in games more traditionally associated with Lincoln, such as the rail engineering game Anno 2070 and the city-building and strategy game Sid Meier’s Civilization V.
From detailed, historical simulations to more light-hearted, family-friendly fare, Lincoln’s facial hair continues to serve as a source of inspiration for game developers around the world. No matter the context, his legacy lives on through his iconic look, providing people with a dedicated reminder of the power of one man’s life and influence.
Conclusion
Abraham Lincoln’s beard has become a symbol of strength, courage, justice, and integrity and it is indelibly linked with his presidency and the Civil War era. Although his exact beard length is difficult to determine, his facial hair remains deeply rooted in the collective memory of America, and continues to offer historical, political, and aesthetic value to people across all walks of life. Whether it be in the form of movies, songs, artwork, or even video games, the impact of Abraham Lincoln’s Beard is sure to be felt for many years to come.
