The iconic image of Abraham Lincoln with his beard is a staple in Americans minds. But, did you know that he did not always have his beard?
11-year-old Grace Bedell wrote Lincoln a letter during his run for presidency in 1860. She told him that his face was too thin, and that he would benefit from some “whiskers.” This bold little eleven-year-old was right, and Mr. Lincoln must have believed her as well. He received the letter on October 15th, and shortly after he began to get his “whiskers”.
He quickly responded to her letter.
I have attached the link to the letter- It is so adorable. A must read!
It is odd to me to see pictures of him without his beard. Grace was right, his face was awful thin.
It warms my heart to see the way the Abe responded to the little girl, and makes me sad to think that this would never happen in current times. It means a lot to receive a hand written note. Seems like something that would end up appearing on an episode of the hit show ‘Pawn Stars’! 
Without doubt this is the most famous beard in American History. 150 years ago was when he decided to grow it out, and then have himself photographed with his cool new look. Beards caught on quickly, and many adapted the new facial change. Before this it was not right to be a man, and look as if you needed to shaved. It was considered to be in bad taste to have facial hair, but Abe paved the way. The New York Times did a really fun article about it. Check it out!
