Lincoln Logs are a classic American toy invented around 1916–1917 by John Lloyd Wright, the son of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Inspired by interlocking log beams used in the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo—designed by his father to withstand earthquakes—John created miniature wooden logs with notches that allow children to build sturdy cabins and forts.
The toy was first sold in 1918 under The Red Square Toy Company and later through J.L. Wright Manufacturing.
The original set included instructions to build cabins like Abraham Lincoln’s and Uncle Tom’s. Lincoln Logs quickly became popular for their simplicity, educational value, and appeal to both boys and girls.
They encourage creativity, spatial awareness, and hands-on construction skills. In 1999, they were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. Though production once shifted overseas, they briefly returned to U.S. manufacturing in 2014 before moving back to China by 2021. Despite changes in production, Lincoln Logs have remained a beloved toy for over a century, known for blending fun with early architectural learning.
