Celebrating the Timeless Charm of Vintage Treasures
Origin & Inspiration
Lincoln Logs were invented around 1916–1917 by John Lloyd Wright, son of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. He was inspired by “interlocking log beams used in the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo,” designed by his father to withstand earthquakes.
Design & Launch
John created wooden logs with notches so kids could build cabins and forts. The toy debuted in 1918 under The Red Square Toy Company. Instructions were included to build replicas of “Abraham Lincoln’s and Uncle Tom’s” cabins.
Educational Appeal
The logs became popular for encouraging “creativity, spatial awareness, and hands-on construction skills.” They were praised for being simple, fun, and educational for both boys and girls.
Legacy & Production
In 1999, Lincoln Logs were added to the National Toy Hall of Fame. Though manufacturing moved overseas, they “briefly returned to U.S. manufacturing in 2014” before shifting back to China in 2021. The toy remains a nostalgic favorite.
