U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for February 12

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12: ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Profile America — Sunday, February 12th.  When historians look at the men who have been president of the United States, one name is almost always mentioned as among the best in the nation's long history — Abraham Lincoln, born on this date 203 years ago.  Even though his prior experience was not extensive, Lincoln was elected president in 1860.  Armed with intelligence, wit, and compassion, Lincoln led the nation through the nightmare of the Civil War and the end of slavery.  His assassination came only a few days after the Union victory.  At Lincoln's death, the U.S. was composed of 36 states, with a population of almost 36 million.  Today, the population of the 50 states in the Union is estimated at almost 313 million.  You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

Sources:  Chase's Calendar of Events 2012, p. 125
Historical Statistics of the United States:  Colonial Times to 1970, p. 8

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button). 

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau