One of my favorite things in the Collection is this simple electoral ballot for Abraham Lincoln, from the 1860 election. It is the first presidential election Minnesota as a state was able to participate in, and one that turned out to be tremendously important for both our state and the country. From the Civil War to the Homestead Act to building railroads, Lincoln was important to the future of Minnesota although he never set foot here.

Learn More:

• Lincoln Bicentennial Homepage