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Lincoln Logs are a toy consisting of notched miniature logs, about 1-2cm in diameter. Analogous to real logs used in a log cabin, Lincoln Logs have notches in their ends, so that small model log buildings can be built. In addition, a Lincoln Logs set has windows and doors, to make the buildings more realistic. More modern sets also come with figures of humans and animals that match the scale of the buildings. The sets invoke the history of the American frontier, with such sets as the Pony Express or the Conestoga Homestead.
Lincoln Logs were invented in 1916 by John Lloyd Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright. John Lloyd Wright said he was inspired by the architecture of the basement of the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
The toy can easily produce a structure resembling a log cabin, hence the association with American president Abraham Lincoln (who was said to have spent his childhood in a log cabin.)