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Lincoln Posed for an Illinois Photographer During the Election Summer

Portrait Shot in June 1860 Became the Basis for Posters

Photographer Alexander Hesler photographed Lincoln in his hometown of Springfield, Illinois, on June 3, 1860.
A portrait of Lincoln by photographer Alexander Hesler.

A portrait of Lincoln by photographer Alexander Hesler.

Library of Congress

Alexander Hesler, a leading photographer in Chicago, traveled to Springfield, Illinois, in early June 1860 to photograph the Republican nominee.

On June 3, 1860, Hesler shot several portraits of Lincoln, who later said he was pleased with the results.

This particular pose captured by Hesler would later be used as the basis for engravings used on campaign posters and fliers.

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