On October 26, 1864, Abraham Lincoln gave one of his most important speeches. He said: “The threats to break up the Union were freely made; and the ablest public men of the day became seriously alarmed…” (Lewis 36). The sixteenth president of the United States had a richer life than many people thought. Everywhere in the country, everyone was affected. This was done by one of the best presidents in history. Honest Abe was a wise man who influenced the country and helped make the country what it is today. One of the states he resided in most was Illinois. Abraham Lincoln built a political future for himself, held the Union together, freed the slaves, and created a new party for the United States that still exists today, all while unknowingly becoming one of the presidents the most famous and historic of all time. At the state level, in his politics, he visited various cities. These cities included Galena, Galesburg, Peoria, Bloomington, Springfield, Rock Island, Chicago, New Salem, and Decatur (Crowther). He first came to Galena in 1832, as a soldier. His first and most famous political visit came in 1856 when he campaigned for John Fremont. Fremont supported Lincoln's senatorial campaigns and aided him in his political developments. In Galena he was introduced to many people. One of these people was Elihu B. Washburne. Washburne was a fellow lawyer and politician. Washburne and Lincoln certainly became powerful political allies. Although Washburne helped him and was a good ally, his closest friend was actually Edward Baker. They even stayed in touch when he moved to other cities (Abraham Lincoln in Galena). One of those cities he moved to was a mid...... middle of paper ... Coln urged the audience he was speaking to to welcome the South back. He was not alive to see this happen. Four days later he was dead. He died early in the morning of April 15, 1865. John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln in the back of the head at Ford's Theater. They rushed him across the street to get him away from the crowd and provide first aid in a private setting. He died before he could help rebuild the United States of America (History.com). Abraham Lincoln may not have completely rebuilt the United States of America, but he certainly started the project. The people he left behind were ready to work together to create the nation that would ultimately be where many live today. With the abolition of slavery, strong leadership, and the honesty of it all, Lincoln is undoubtedly one of the greatest presidents in history..