history / Real

Is Abraham Lincoln the only U.S. president with a patent?

Yes. Lincoln received a patent in 1849 for a device to lift boats over shoals.

The Claim

Abraham Lincoln is the only U.S. president to hold a patent.

The Answer

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office identifies Lincoln as the only U.S. president to receive a patent, for an invention involving buoying vessels.

Why This Is Surprising

It sounds like the kind of claim that races around social feeds without context. The source trail matters because the best version of the wonder is the verified one.

How We Checked It

We looked for an authoritative primary source, checked the wording against at least one credible secondary source when available, and recorded the last review date.

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