Thirteen Days of Lincoln

With the election of Abraham Lincoln, Nancy Kendall’s world was about to enter one of the most volatile chapters in the history of the American Experience.
 
On the eve of the Civil War, President-elect Lincoln traveled two weeks on the long train trip from Springfield, IL, to Washington D. C. for his inauguration. Newspapers were the only reliable form of mass communication at the time. The citizens of a troubled nation wanted to know their new president on a more personal level than newsprint could offer. As Lincoln wound his way through cities both small and large, he got off the train at each stop to speak directly to the people.
 
Lincoln was in terrible danger as he traveled east whether he took it seriously or not. As he prepared to assume the office of President of the U.S., alarm bells were going off in the minds of those involved in not only the inaugural preparations, but also those in charge of security during the perilous trip to D.C. Provocateurs plotted against the president-elect and planned various, often violent actions to obstruct him along the way. 

Historian Ted Widmer examines this 13 day journey in his book, "Lincoln on the Verge: Thirteen Days to Washington."  

Lincoln on the Verge by Ted Widmer

​In a World Affairs Council Dallas/Forth Worth interview, Widmer and fellow historian Jeffrey Engel discuss Lincoln's "odyssey to save democracy" as he traveled from Springfield to Washington D.C. 

​The parallels between Lincoln's election and inauguration and that of President-elect Joseph Biden are striking. Biden steps on a stage every bit as fraught with dangers. He assures the citizens of the U.S. that he is not afraid to meet the challenges as our leader, and he cares deeply for "we the people."
 
Next time: Thoughts about President-elect Joe Biden as he faces leading a country  filled with unrest.