Story Summary
Discover the legendary tale of Lincoln's Wrestling Match in New Salem, where a young Abe earned the respect of the Clary’s Grove Boys through grit and honor.
In 1831, a young Abraham Lincoln worked as a store clerk in New Salem, Illinois. His employer, Denton Offutt, bragged incessantly that Lincoln was the strongest man in the county. This caught the attention of the Clary's Grove Boys, a rowdy gang led by their local champion, Jack Armstrong. A match was arranged, and the entire town gathered to watch the showdown. The two men grappled for a long time, with neither gaining a clear advantage. Frustrated by Lincoln's surprising agility, Armstrong attempted a foul by treading on Lincoln’s foot. Lincoln, fueled by a sudden, righteous fury, seized Armstrong by the throat and shook him like a rag doll. Expecting the gang to attack him, Lincoln backed against the store wall, ready to take them all on. Instead, Armstrong stepped forward, shook Lincoln's hand, and declared him 'the best fellow that ever broke into this settlement.' The match ended in a draw, but it earned Lincoln the lifelong respect of the community.
The Moral
True strength is most impressive when tempered by fairness and the courage to stand one's ground against dishonesty.
“He is the best fellow that ever broke into this settlement.”
Fun Fact
Abraham Lincoln is the only U.S. President to be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, having lost only one recorded match in his life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Lincoln's Wrestling Match?
The story teaches that integrity and physical prowess are most effective when used together. Lincoln gained respect not just through his strength, but by his refusal to tolerate foul play during the bout.
Did Abraham Lincoln really wrestle Jack Armstrong?
Yes, historical accounts confirm that Lincoln wrestled Jack Armstrong in New Salem, Illinois, in 1831. It remains one of the most famous and well-documented anecdotes from his early adulthood.
Who were the Clary's Grove Boys?
The Clary's Grove Boys were a group of rough-and-tumble frontiersmen known for their rowdy behavior and physical challenges in the New Salem area.
How did the wrestling match between Lincoln and Armstrong end?
While accounts vary, most historians agree it ended in a draw or a display of respect after Armstrong attempted a foul and Lincoln stood his ground, leading to a lasting friendship.
Was Abraham Lincoln a successful wrestler?
Lincoln was an exceptionally skilled wrestler, losing only one match out of approximately 300 during his youth, eventually earning him a reputation for being nearly unbeatable.
Is Abraham Lincoln in the Wrestling Hall of Fame?
Yes, Abraham Lincoln was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1992 in the 'Outstanding American' category for his athletic history and character.