When you think of Abraham Lincoln, you might picture the serious-faced president on the penny or the towering figure at the Lincoln Memorial. But in honor of his birthday, February 12th, let's take a look behind the legendary leader that we all know him to be because apparently, he was also quite the character!

On February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Kentucky, a child was born who would grow up to become one of America's most revered presidents. But before he delivered powerful speeches and led the nation, he led an interesting life that might surprise you.

• Here are some fun facts about Honest Abe that you probably haven’t heard before. (Or at least so the story goes!)
• Before politics, Lincoln was a champion wrestler! He lost only one match out of about 300 and was inducted into the Wrestling Hall of Fame.
• He was the first president to sport a beard while in office, growing it at the suggestion of an 11-year-old girl named Grace Bedell, who wrote him a letter saying it would help him win the election. 
• On the very day he was assassinated, Abe actually created the Secret Service, though its original purpose was to combat currency counterfeiting, not to protect the president.
• He's the only U.S. president to hold a patent. He invented a device to help boats float over shallow water. Who knew we had an inventor-in-chief?
• During his presidency, Lincoln established many traditions we still observe today. He declared Thanksgiving a national holiday and was the first to pardon a turkey. 
• Finally, legend has it that, Lincoln kept his important papers in his signature tall stovepipe hat. It was basically his mobile filing cabinet. 

Lincoln may have faced some of the nation's darkest days as president, but he never lost his sense of humor or his ability to connect with everyday people. From rail-splitter to wrestler to president, he showed us that even the most ordinary beginnings can lead to extraordinary endings. Happy Birthday, Mr. President – thanks for being uniquely you!