Future First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln is born in Lexington, Kentucky. Growing up in a wealthy Kentucky family, she later moved to Springfield, Illinois, where she met Abraham Lincoln, who was practicing law. She served as First Lady from 1861 until her husband's assassination in 1865.
For over 75 years, American Heritage has chronicled our nation's history like no other publication. Please support our trusted, non-partisan historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today. We rely on contributions from readers like you to survive. Donate
