The Gettysburg Address was written on paper. Specifically, it is believed to have been written on two different pieces of paper by Abraham Lincoln: a first draft in ink on Executive Mansion stationery and a second, revised draft in pencil on lined paper.
The Gettysburg Address, one of the most iconic speeches in American history, was indeed written on paper. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, composed this historic address on two distinct pieces of paper.
The first draft of the Gettysburg Address was penned by Lincoln in ink on Executive Mansion (now known as the White House) stationery. This initial version captured the essence of Lincoln's thoughts and reflections as he grappled with the profound impact of the Civil War and the significance of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Following the creation of the ink draft, Lincoln then undertook a revision process. The second iteration of the Gettysburg Address was crafted in pencil on lined paper. This revised version allowed Lincoln to refine and enhance the clarity and resonance of his words, ensuring that the speech would leave an enduring mark on the collective memory of the nation.
The use of both ink and pencil in the creation of the Gettysburg Address underscores the meticulous nature of Lincoln's approach to this pivotal piece of oratory. The combination of Executive Mansion stationery and lined paper serves as a tangible connection to the historical moment when Lincoln addressed the nation and articulated timeless principles of democracy, equality, and the enduring nature of a government "of the people, by the people, for the people."
Preserved on these two pieces of paper, the Gettysburg Address continues to resonate as a testament to Lincoln's eloquence, wisdom, and his ability to distill profound ideas into a concise and impactful speech that transcends its time and remains a cornerstone of American rhetoric.