How Abraham Lincoln Became a Citizen of San Marino
A diplomatic love story between a tiny Republic and a future Legend
How do you get your own bust inside the Parliament of the Republic of San Marino?
(Which we call Palazzo Pubblico, literally “Public Palace,” because we’re cool like that.)
I don’t know the official tutorial, but at least I know someone who pulled it off: Abraham Lincoln.
It all started in March 1861, when San Marino sent a letter to Lincoln that began like this:
“For some time now, the Republic of San Marino has desired to establish an alliance with the United States of America in whatever way is possible between a great power and a very small country.”
Talk about kissing up.
But honestly? A smart move.
At the time, the Kingdom of Italy hadn’t yet formalised full recognition of San Marino as an independent state, so getting friendly with the U.S. was... let’s say, strategic.
Most importantly, in that same letter, San Marino granted honorary citizenship to the President of the United States.
And the letter ended with this gem:
“We wanted to write to you with our own hand, and in English, although we have little knowledge and no practice with the language.”
I mean... that’s how you end a letter with flair.
Now, if the story ended here, it might not be quite worthy of Oldest Republic.
But this is not where it ends.
Against all odds, and despite being in the middle of a not-so-small civil war;
Abraham Lincoln actually replied in May 1861.
In that reply, he graciously accepted the honorary citizenship and, in doing so, indirectly recognised San Marino’s independence.
And that, dear readers, is how you earn yourself a bust in our parliament!
That bust still stands today, inscribed with some of the most powerful passages from Lincoln’s letter -which, by the way, is basically presidential poetry.
Here it is, in full.
The bolded lines are the ones engraved in the Palazzo Pubblico.
Great and Good Friends,
I have received and read with great sensibility the letter which as Regent Captains of the Republic of San Marino you addressed to me on the 29th of March last.
I thank the Council of San Marino for the honor of citizenship they have conferred upon me.
Although your dominion is small, your State is nevertheless one of the most honored, in all history.
It has by its experience demonstrated the truth, so full of encouragement to the friends of Humanity, that Government founded on Republican principles is capable of being so administered as to be secure and enduring.
You have kindly adverted to the trial through which this Republic is now passing.
It is one of deep import.
It involves the question whether a Representative republic, extended and aggrandized so much as to be safe against foreign enemies, can save itself from the dangers of domestic faction.
I have faith in a good result.
Wishing that your interesting State may endure and flourish forever, and that you may live long and enjoy the confidence and secure the gratitude of your fellow citizens,
I pray God to have you in his holy keeping.
Your Good Friend,
Abraham Lincoln
