# He Almost Fought a Sword Duel… Before Becoming President
🎥 Watch the 40-second cinematic recreation below:
Most people know Abraham Lincoln as the calm, wise leader who guided America through the Civil War.
But before the presidency… he nearly fought a real sword duel.
In 1842, a young lawyer named Abraham Lincoln publicly mocked a political rival, James Shields, in anonymous newspaper letters.
When Shields discovered the truth, he demanded satisfaction.
A duel.
Under the formal code of honor, Lincoln had the right to choose the weapon.
He chose broadswords.
Why?
Because Lincoln was 6’4” — unusually tall for the 1800s. With swords, his reach gave him a powerful advantage.
The duel was scheduled near the Mississippi River.
Two men. Two blades. Political pride on the line.
But just before the fight began, mediators intervened.
No blood was spilled.
History almost changed that day.
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💬 Did this change how you see Lincoln?