Inside History

He's our nations 16th president and we're about to celebrate and commemorate his achievements. ...  More »

He's our nations 16th president and we're about to celebrate and commemorate his achievements. Abraham Lincoln turns 200 February 12th. Tom Gerhardt has more. You might ask yourselfwhat connection does Abraham Lincoln have to North Dakota? In this months edition of Inside History, you'll find the answer is greater than you think. Abraham Lincoln never visited North Dakota. But he had a profound impact on our state. It starts with the year 1862. He signed the Homestead Act which of course had an enormous effect on the development of what's North Dakota now and the northern plains...settling 10% of the northern plains under the homestead act. Another significant development took place on Lincolns watchone that helped open up new resources to the nation. Take a look at these photos. The first train to Carson...and the first passenger train to Mott. And a link between Bismarck and Mandanjoining east to west. He also signed the Northern Pacific Railroad Charter which had an enormous effect on the development of the northern plains and an enormous impact on the living and culture here in our state and throughout the region. There's more. Lincoln also appointed our first two territorial governorsWIlliam Jayne and Newton Edmunds. And does this school look familiar? He also signed the Morril Land Grant College Act which resulted in what is today North Dakota State University in Fargo. But that's just the start. You'll also notice other obvious Lincoln connections. Fort Abraham Lincoln, and Fort Lincolntoday UTTC. Collin says Lincoln what impresses him about Lincolncompared to other historical figuresis the more he learns about himthe more he respects him. Lincoln is much more than just the 16th president of the United Stateshe represents core ideals that all of us as humans hold dear, liberty, freedom, justice, equality for all-and its those ideals that we will be remembering as we observe the Lincoln Bicentennial here in North Dakota. Collin says what Lincoln really does is bring out the best in people. Over the next two years, our state and our nation, will bring out the best in him. Here are a couple of important dates to remember. North Dakota launces its Lincoln's Legacy in North Dakota exhibit this Friday. The national signature event begins February 11th in Kentucky. For more information on local events, log onto www.nd.gov/hist. Taking you Inside History, I'm Tom Gerhardt.  « Less