Nancy Hanks was the mother of Abraham Lincoln, remembered for her influence on his character despite her early death in 1818. Her name later lived on in a different way through Nancy Hanks, a record-setting harness racing horse of the late 1800s. The horse became famous across North America, symbolizing speed and excellence during a time when horse racing was hugely popular. In Victoria, streets in some areas were named after notable racehorses rather than historical figures. As a result, “Nancy Hanks Street” in Victoria reflects the legacy of the celebrated horse, not Abraham Lincoln’s mother.

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