Long before Abraham Lincoln led the United States through the Civil War and became one of the most iconic presidents in history, he was known for something unexpected—wrestling.
Growing up on the American frontier in the early 1800s, Lincoln developed into a tall, strong, and hard-working young man. He stood 6 feet 4 inches tall—very unusual for the time—and used his height and strength to dominate in local wrestling matches. Back then, wrestling wasn’t just a sport—it was a test of strength and toughness, and Lincoln quickly gained a reputation.
According to historical accounts, Lincoln competed in roughly 300 wrestling matches and lost only once. He was known not only for his physical skill but also for his sportsmanship and honesty, earning him respect even among tough frontier crowds.
One of his most famous matches was against local bully Jack Armstrong in New Salem, Illinois. The two faced off in front of the townspeople, and Lincoln came out victorious, gaining the respect of many in the community—an early glimpse of his natural leadership.
Lincoln’s wrestling achievements were so notable that in 1992, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in the “Outstanding American” category, which honors those who excelled in wrestling before achieving greatness in other fields.
This lesser-known side of Lincoln’s life shows his determination, grit, and ability to stand his ground—qualities that later defined his presidency. From the wrestling ring to the White House, Lincoln proved he was a fighter in more ways than one.