Happy Birthday, Honest Abe

When Abraham Lincoln was born exactly 201 years ago today in a modest one-room log cabin, it's doubtful his farmer parents knew what a gigantic impact he would make on the future of this country. Mostly thanks to him we remain The United States of America — not weirdly split into two countries.

Lincoln's home state of Illinois is certainly not forgetting the huge impact the 16th president had on this great nation. To honor him, officials today are assembling a time capsule to be sent to the Lincoln Presidential Library with instructions to open in 2109 — otherwise known as Lincoln's 300th birthday. According to The Associated Press, time capsule items include birthday cards, photos and documents celebrating his 200th birthday last year.

The Associated Professional Photographers of Illinois is also getting into the Lincoln birthday spirit this year. They are spending the day shooting Lincoln-related images today, which they will then post on their website.

Still can't get enough of good old Honest Abe? The Huffington Post has helpfully assembled a list of the best-ever books written about the great president. Here's their top five:

* Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin

* Lincoln by David Herbert Donald.

* Tried by War by James M. McPherson

* Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation by Allen C. Guelzo

* Lincoln's Sword by Douglas L. Wilson

No matter how you decide to celebrate, be sure to pause and honor President Lincoln today. He sure did a lot more than give us all a day off work Monday.

Photo courtesy of Library of Congress via Wikimedia Commons