The quote "Four score and seven years ago..." originates from Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, delivered on November 19, 1863, during the American Civil War. In this speech, Lincoln commemorated the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, which occurred a few months earlier, in July 1863. The phrase "four score and seven years ago" refers to 87 years (a score is 20 years, so four score is 80 years, plus seven years), marking the period since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
In context, Lincoln was emphasizing the founding principles of the United States, particularly the notions of liberty and equality. He argued that the fight to preserve the nation was also a test of whether a government dedicated to those principles could endure. The address is remembered for its poignant call to honor the sacrifices made by the soldiers and for its enduring message about equality, democracy, and national purpose.