Free printable vintage Abraham Lincoln postcards offer a wealth of history about one of America’s most iconic figures!
Abraham Lincoln was an American lawyer, politician, and statesman. He served as the 16th president of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. Lincoln is best known for his role in the Civil War, which led to the end of slavery and the preservation of the Union. His notable achievements also include his multiple famous public addresses, which include his First and Second Inaugural Addresses, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Gettysburg Address.
I’m sharing 27 vintage Abraham Lincoln postcards, which feature notable Lincoln sites in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The collection showcases his Springfield home, Springfield tomb, New Salem Berry-Lincoln store, Kentucky birthplace, Gettysburg speech writing home, and Washington D.C. memorial.
Abraham Lincoln is the first prominent figure that I’m featuring in a vintage postcard collection. While I tend to focus on well-traveled United States destinations and other popular themes (i.e., beaches, flowers, holidays) for vintage postcard collections, I may feature other prominent figures in subsequent collections. All of my vintage postcard sets are available in the vintage section of the blog. As always, if there’s anything that you’d like to see here, please let me know! Your input helps me prioritize future vintage offerings.
Printable vintage Abraham Lincoln postcard formats
Each postcard ZIP folder includes the following three formats.
- Original ratio (3.5″ x 5.5″). All of the Lincoln postcards are standard size, which is 3.5″ x 5.5.” Having the postcards in their original ratio gives you full creative control for formatting and cropping for specific wall art and other projects.
- 4×6. I’ve formatted the Lincoln postcards in their original ratio with 0.5″ white borders on all sides for straightforward 4×6 printing. Every standard printing service offers 4×6 prints at low prices (as opposed to 3.5″ x 5.5,” which is almost impossible to find). You’ll also be able to choose from an extensive range of affordable 4×6 frames for your new postcard prints.
- 8×10. I know that many people have arrived at this post also looking for 8×10 format for wall decor for classrooms, libraries, and offices. Again, I’ve added a white border on all sides of the 8×10 formatted Lincoln images. I’ve found that it’s the easiest way to keep roughly the original postcard ratio and to find a frame with or without a mat that works well.
I have a comprehensive size guide for my vintage postcard collection downloads. It has all of the details that you need to select the best size(s) for your framing and craft projects. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to ask!
After the Lincoln postcard downloads, I have a set of 8.5″ x 11″ pages. Each page has two original ratio postcards on it. The 8.5″ x 11″ pages save you the trouble of printing each postcard on a separate piece of paper. You can print them on your home printer or send them to a printing service. The 8.5″ x 11″ pages are ideal for scrapbooking, journaling, school projects, and craft projects.
The postcard images and 8.5″ x 11″ pages are all 300 dpi to ensure the best print quality possible.
Are you looking for more postcard formats?
Please let me know! I’m happy to offer additional sizes or other printing options for particular wall art and DIY projects.
About the free printable vintage Abraham Lincoln postcards
You may download and print the vintage postcards and 8.5″ x 11″ pages as many times as you like for personal use, which includes classroom use. You may use the images for limited runs (5,000 items or less) of physical items to sell. Physical item use DOES NOT include made-to-order sites, such as Zazzle and Cafepress.
You may also use the images for limited runs (5,000 items or less) of digital items to sell. Digital items must be flat, finished pieces (i.e., not Photoshop files). The items you sell must be your own original content using the images. You may not sell the images individually or as part of larger collections.
Finally, please don’t send anyone the download files. If family, friends, or co-workers would like their own Lincoln postcards, please send them a link to the post so they can download their own files. Your support allows me to keep offering free vintage postcard collections!
Please note: The low-resolution preview images in this post are solely intended for previews. They’re great for sharing on social media. They aren’t recommended for printing. Please use the download links to access the high-resolution versions of all of the images.
Free printable vintage Abraham Lincoln postcards
A lot of the information about the postcards comes from the backs of the postcards. I’ve cited all other sources.
New Salem, Illinois – New Salem State Park – Berry-Lincoln Store – Interior Views
On this site in 1830, George Warburton erected New Salmen’s only sheathed structure. Later, the Chrisman Brothers and Reuben Radford also operated stores here. In January 1833, William F. Berry and Abraham Lincoln moved here from their first store, which was located just west of Ferguson’s residence. Lincoln served a portion of his postmastership in this building.
During the early summer of 1833, Lincoln sold his interest to Berry, who later sold the enterprise to the Trent Brothers. The Trents suddenly left the country. Berry resumed the business until he died in 1835. It is thought that McNamar and Dr. Allen then took over the store, and in 1837, moved it to Petersburg.
The large room was the store proper. The rear lean-to served as a store room, and for a time, as Lincoln’s bedroom.
[New Salem, IL – New Salem State Park – Berry-Lincoln Store – Interior Views]
Springfield, Illinois – Abraham Lincoln’s Home from 1844-1861
The 1844-1861 Lincoln home is located at the northeast corner of Eighth and Jackson Streets. Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd, and their infant son, Robert, moved into this home in the spring of 1844. It was the only home that Lincoln ever owned, and it was their home until they left for Washington in 1861. Their sons Edward, William, and Thomas were born in this house. Edward also died there.
Reverend Charles Dresser built the house in 1839. He married Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd in 1842. Abraham Lincoln bought the house from Dresser in 1844 for $1,500. The brick foundation for the fence was built in 1850. In 1856, they had the full second story added for $1,300.
Today the National Park Service maintains the Lincoln home. It’s open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Visit Abraham Lincoln Online for more information.
[Springfield, Illinois – Abraham Lincoln’s Home from 1844-1861]
Springfield, Illinois – Abraham Lincoln’s Home from 1844-1861 2
Another view of the Springfield, Illinois home that Lincoln owned and resided in from 1844 through 1861.
[Springfield, Illinois – Abraham Lincoln’s Home from 1844-1861 2]
Springfield, Illinois – Abraham Lincoln’s Home from 1844-1861 – Entrance
A close-up shot of the front entrance of Abraham Lincoln’s Springfield, Illinois home.
[Springfield, Illinois – Abraham Lincoln’s Home from 1844-1861 – Entrance]
Springfield, Illinois – Abraham Lincoln’s Home from 1844-1861 – Back Parlor
The back parlor in Abraham Lincoln’s Springfield, Illinois home.
[Springfield, Illinois – Abraham Lincoln’s Home from 1844-1861 – Back Parlor]
Springfield, Illinois – Lincoln Monument
A portrait view of the Lincoln monument or Lincoln tomb in Springfield, Illinois.
Springfield, Illinois – Lincoln Tomb
A landscape view of the Lincoln tomb in Springfield, Illinois. The famed sculptor, Larkin Mead, designed the beautiful Lincoln tomb. He constructed it from 1869 to 1874. The tomb is housed in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Lincoln’s wife, Mary, and their three sons are also buried in this tomb. The cemetery is open to the public daily, free of charge. Head to Visit Springfield Illinois for more information.
Visit Springfield, Illinois – See the Heart of Lincoln Land
The postcard depicts Lincoln’s Springfield home, the restored old Illinois State Capitol, and the Lincoln Monument where the President is burned. The postcard also depicts the New Salem cabin, which is located 19 miles from Springfield.
[Visit Springfield, Illinois – See the Heart of Lincoln Land]
Vincennes, Indiana – Illinois Side of Lincoln Memorial Bridge – Memorial Marking Spot Where Lincoln Family Entered Illinois from Indiana in 1830
The memorial marks the exact spot where, in 1830, Lincoln, who was 21 years old at the time, entered Illinois from Indiana with his father’s family. It is located on the Illinois side of the beautiful Wabash River Bridge, which is named after the great emancipator. The Lincolns forded the Wabash River at Vincennes. Lincoln’s father is the leading figure in limestone. Lincoln’s dead mother is hovering above him. Lincoln is the bronze figure in the foreground.
In later years, Lincoln visited Vincennes on numerous occasions. He saw his first printing press in the plant of Western Sun.
Vincennes, Indiana – Lincoln Memorial Bridge Over the Historic Wabash River
The states of Illinois and Indiana erected the beautiful Lincoln Memorial Bridge to connect the states. Aided by the federal government, this striking structure is appropriately named the Lincoln Memorial Bridge. Abraham Lincoln crossed the Wabash from his Indiana home into Illinois. Lincoln, with his parents Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln and his sister Sarah, came to Indiana in the fall of 1816 when he was seven years old. Abraham Lincoln spent 14 years of his life in Indiana.
[Vincennes, Indiana – Lincoln Memorial Bridge Over the Historic Wabash River]
Kentucky – Lincoln Cabin
The log cabin pictured here is Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace. Thomas and Nancy Lincoln settled on Sinking Spring Farm in the fall of 1808. Abraham Lincoln was born in a one-room log cabin there just a few months later on February 12, 1809. [Source]
Hodgenville, Kentucky – Abraham Lincoln Historical Park – Lincoln Memorial – Lincoln Birthplace
Abraham Lincoln National Historical Park is a designated United States historic park that preserves two separate farm sites in LaRue County, Kentucky. Abraham Lincoln was born and lived his early childhood years in this area of Kentucky. [Source]
[Hodgenville, Kentucky – Abraham Lincoln Historical Park – Lincoln Memorial – Lincoln Birthplace]
Hodgenville, Kentucky – Abraham Lincoln Historical Park – Inscription in Memorial Hall
A close-up of the inscription in Memorial Hall in Abraham Lincoln Historical Park.
[Hodgenville, Kentucky – Abraham Lincoln Historical Park – Inscription in Memorial Hall]
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – Lincoln Speech Memorial
The Gettysburg National Park provided for a granite and bronze memorial of Lincoln’s address at a dedication of Soldiers’ National Cemetery at Gettysburg. This memorial is the result.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – Lincoln Speech Memorial 2
Another view of the Lincoln Speech Memorial in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – Public Square – The Wills House
The Wills House in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is where Lincoln wrote his Gettysburg Address. It was the home of Judge David Willis, who hosted President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863. Visit the National Park Service website for the most current information about visiting the Wills House.
[Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – Public Square – The Wills House]
Washington, D.C. – Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is situated on an eminence in Potomac Park on the banks of the Potomac River. It’s modeled after a classic Greek Temple. The memorial is made of marble, which is fitting for the life that Lincoln led. David French designed the statue of Lincoln that sits in the center of the memorial. The smaller halls on each side of the memorial contain the Second Inaugural and Gettysburg addresses. A colonnade of 36 columns for each of the 36 states in the United States at the time of Lincoln’s death surrounds the walls encasing these memorials. A large reflecting pool stands right in front of the Memorial, mirroring the classic lines of the beautiful Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.
Washington D.C. – Lincoln Memorial 2
Another view of the iconic Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. – Lincoln Memorial Statue Close-Up
A close-up of the illuminated Abraham Lincoln statue in the Washington D.C. memorial. Above the statue, the postcard reads: “In this temple as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.”
Washington D. C. – Lincoln Memorial and Its Reflection
A beautiful view of the Lincoln Memorial in spring with the memorial in reflection surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms.
Washington D.C. – Lincoln Memorial and Cherry Blossoms
A classic view of the Lincoln Memorial in springtime with cherry blossoms framing the memorial on both sides.
Washington D.C. – Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool
A greater view of the Lincoln Memorial and the area of Washington D.C. surrounding it, which includes the reflecting pool and the river.
Washington D.C. – Lincoln Memorial by Night
A striking view of the Lincoln Memorial at night with the memorial lit up and a full moon casting additional light on the scene.
Washington D.C. – Lincoln Memorial Through the Cherry Blossoms
A view of the Lincoln Memorial through the cherry blossoms at the height of the season.
[Washington D.C. – Lincoln Memorial Through the Cherry Blossoms]
Washington D.C. – Lincoln Memorial Through the Cherry Blossoms 2
Another view of the Lincoln Memorial framed by blooming cherry blossom trees.
[Washington D.C. – Lincoln Memorial Through the Cherry Blossoms 2]
West Virginia – The Devil’s Saddle on U.S. Route 50
Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, was born at this location.
Racine, Wisconsin – Lincoln-Todd Monument
The Abraham Lincoln-Mary Todd monument in Racine, Wisconsin, is the only one of its kind in the United States. The statue was a gift of Miss Lena Rosewell, a northside Racine resident. Frederick C. Hibbard of Chicago sculpted the statue. It was unveiled on July 4, 1943. The statue is located in Racine’s East Park. You can learn more about the statue and its location at Visit Racine County.
8.5″ x 11″ pages
Download the complete set of original ratio postcards in one PDF file containing 14 8.5″ x 11″ pages with two postcards on each page.
Please note: The preview image above includes a black border because it gets confusing having a lot of white space around images in blog posts. The pages in the PDF file don’t have black borders.
I explain how to download and extract ZIP folders in my vintage dictionary pages post. This link takes you to the specific directions that you need.
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More free printable vintage postcard collections:
Head to the free printables section of the blog for even more vintage postcard sets as well as vintage sheet music and book pages. Check out my VintageDigitalRose shop for additional digital paper offerings.
