Abraham Lincoln's Whistle Stop Tour

Most Americans have a general knowledge of Abraham Lincoln's life story. He was born in Kentucky, and lived in both Indiana and Kentucky. Lincoln's accomplishments include election to both state and federal legislative bodies. He was a lawyer, husband, and father.  Lincoln was elected the 16th president of the United States. Because of his election, the southern states seceded from the Union, and the Civil War erupted. Lincoln was elected to a second term in office, but it was cut short by his assassination.

 During my research of Lincoln's life and politics, I came across the story of Lincoln's arrival to Washington as president-elect. Two different entities, Detective Allen Pinkerton of Chicago and William and Frederick Seward, had each independently uncovered a plot to assassinate Lincoln as he traveled through Baltimore, Maryland, to Washington D.C. Lincoln had been making his way from Springfield, Illinois, to Washington D.C., stopping in varies cities and making speeches. Upon receiving this intelligence while in Philadelphia, Lincoln decides to fulfill his promised appointments in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.


 After fulfilling his commitments in Harrisburg, Lincoln, accompanied by two friends and wearing a disguise, boarded the train for Washington on February 22, 1861, at 11 p.m. Lincoln's departure was hours ahead of schedule. Lincoln and his companions arrived undetected in Washington the next morning about the time he was scheduled to leave Harrisburg.

 During the trip from Springfield, Illinois, to Washington, D.C., Lincoln gave speeches enlightening his supporters and the nation about what his policies were going to be. Prior to this, Lincoln had not campaigned around the nation. He had instead followed the common practice of the day to stay at home and let supporters come to him. Delegates of his party were designated to travel and let the country know what the party stood for.

 Lincoln's whistle stop tour was the first time Lincoln himself had said anything to the nation about his policies. One local newspaper in Delaware State commented on both Lincoln's policies and his safety.
           "We are on the verge of the inauguration, and that silence, on political
       subjects, so long observed, by Mr. Lincoln, must soon end.
           "The fate of generations yet unborn may hang upon the sentiments he may
       utter. We have a hope that Mr. Lincoln will rise to the highest platform of
       patriotism.
           "In the meantime there is, in some quarters, an earnest effort to away him and
       his opinions. He can have no safety but in his own and the discretion of patriots."
                                                                          Smyrna Times (Delaware)
                                                                               February 28, 1861

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Delaware Public Archives, Dover, DE
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