Who was the US President at the start of the American Civil War in 1861?

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated as the 16th U.S. President in March 1861, just weeks before the first shots were fired at Fort Sumter. He is often remembered for his 'tall' stature, both literally at 6'4" and figuratively for his role in preserving the Union and ending slavery. Despite having very little formal schooling, he became one of the most influential legal and political minds in American history.