In real life, Abraham Lincoln was considered the best Greco Roman wrestler of his day, winning over 300 matches. Only one loss is known: on April 22, 1832, Lincoln was thrown in two straight falls by Lorenzo Dow "Hank" Thompson during a wrestling match in Beardstown, Illinois. Otherwise, he was undefeated.
Joshua Speed was one of Abraham Lincoln's oldest friends, dating back to their days in Springfield, Illinois. Joshua never actually came to Washington, but his brother James Speed was considered one of Lincoln's oldest friends in Washington, and served as Attorney General from late 1864 until he resigned in 1866.
(at around 1h 3 mins) President Lincoln works at a large Oval Office desk while his son Willie plays with toys beneath it. The scene is based on an iconic photograph of President John F. Kennedy and little John Kennedy Jr.
Benjamin Walker promoted the film in character for armed services personnel aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier named for the historical President he plays.