May 15, 1862
President Lincoln approves the establishment of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
May 18, 1860
Lincoln is nominated for President at the Republican Party Convention in Chicago, Illinois.
May 20, 1862
President Lincoln approves the Homestead Act, giving the head of any family the right to apply for 160 acres of government land.
Today in Lincoln's Life
Lincoln's Words
"I appeal to you again to constantly bear in mind that with you, and not
with politicians, not with Presidents, not with office-seekers, but with you,
is the question, "Shall the Union and shall the liberties of this country be
preserved to the latest generation?"
--Speech to Gov. Morton in Indianapolis, February 11, 1861