One of the most famous monuments in the US is the Lincoln Memorial. Abraham Lincoln is a true American success story. He was the son of a poor farmer who lived on the frontier. He read books that he borrowed after long days working on the farm. But eventually, in 1837, Lincoln worked hard enough to earn a law degree. In 1846, he was elected to the House of Representatives. His calm demeanor and willingness to compromise helped heal the war-torn nation and reunite the North and South into one country. Unfortunately, Lincoln was assassinated in April of 1865, in the middle of his second presidential term.