Advertisement'Emancipating Lincoln': A Pragmatic ProclamationMarch 13, 2012Melissa BlockfacebookEmailAbraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. The 150-year-old document has suffered damage from handling and light deterioration. You can learn more and get a closer look at the five-page proclamation at the National Archives website. (AFP/Getty Images)