26. Abraham Lincoln Wrote the Gettysburg Address on the Train
A popular legend claims Abraham Lincoln penned the Gettysburg Address hastily on the back of an envelope while traveling by train. In reality, Lincoln prepared multiple drafts ahead of time, revising his carefully crafted speech before arriving in Gettysburg. Contemporary accounts and surviving documents confirm that the address was the result of thoughtful planning, not last-minute inspiration. The enduring myth highlights Lincoln’s brilliance, but the truth reveals his dedication to preparation and precision.
