Texture: Lincoln’s skin had ‌a‍ rough and ⁤weathered texture, ​attributed to⁣ his years‌ of manual labor ‌and exposure to ⁣the elements. Color: His ​skin was described as pale and ‍sallow, a ⁢common characteristic of individuals‍ with a fair complexion.

For starters, Abraham Lincoln described himself as having a “dark complexion” and “coarse black hair.” His own father, Lincoln said, had a “swarthy” complexion, “black” hair,” and “brown” eyes. For some contemporaries, this was enough to confirm that Lincoln was black.

According to the Smithsonian Magazine, “ Lincoln’s skin was described often enough as swarthy – duskier than one might expect on any white person – that many considered it significant.” While some have speculated that this may indicate African American heritage on Lincoln’s part, no solid evidence has been found to support such claims.