President Lincoln’s Connections to the Mid-Atlantic

Regional Round-up of Historic Sites & Special Events Related to Lincoln

(U.S. Mid-Atlantic Region, February 2009) – The Mid-Atlantic region offers a close-up look at Abraham Lincoln from the time he entered Washington, DC as our 16th president until his untimely death at the hands of John Wilkes Booth in 1865. Lincoln, widely considered one of the greatest U.S. presidents, was a man who rose from humble beginnings to achieve the highest position in government. He led our country through the Civil War and ended the institution of slavery; in doing so, he traveled extensively through the Mid-Atlantic region to rally the troops, calm the citizenry and restore the Union. His words and deeds resonate even today.

As the nation commemorates the 200th anniversary of his birth, the destinations below bring the legends and the lore of Lincoln to life through special events, historic exhibits and ongoing interpretation of his connections to the Mid-Atlantic region. For additional information on specific events or attractions, please contact the state tourism office or CVB listed.

Delaware

The First State celebrates the Lincoln Bicentennial with an exhibition at the University of Delaware until June 12. The extensive Lincoln Collection will feature one of three copies of the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution signed by President Lincoln on February 1, 1865, and one of 48 copies of the signed Emancipation Proclamation.
Delaware Tourism Office, 302-672-6857 or toll-free 866-284-7483, www.visitdelaware.com.

Much of the original Lincoln Collection, which includes over two thousand items, has been transferred to Morris Library on the University of Delaware’s Newark Campus. Unique elements of the collection remain on display in three period rooms at Goodstay Center on the University’s Wilmington Campus. Groups by appointment. Free.
Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau,
302-295-2212, www.VisitWilmingtonDE.com.

District of Columbia

Celebrate Lincoln's Bicentennial with “Living the Legacy: Lincoln in DC,” a citywide promotion featuring Abe-themed cuisine, hotel packages and historic events including the reopening of Ford’s Theatre Feb. 12, the rededication of the Lincoln Memorial May 30, themed exhibitions at area attractions including the Library of Congress and more. www.LincolninDC.com Destination DC, 202-789-7072, www.washington.org

Maryland

President Abraham Lincoln passed through Maryland many times during his lifetime, but Maryland’s connection to Lincoln continued even after his death at the hands of a popular actor. The Maryland Civil War Trails map guide, John Wilkes Booth: Escape of an Assassin, tracks the route Booth took following his dastardly deed. Maryland Tourism, 410-767-6329, www.visitmaryland.org

On February 2, 1865, President Lincoln traveled by train from DC to Annapolis en route to secret, unsuccessful peace talks in Virginia. He walked through Annapolis to the Naval Academy and the steamer that awaited him. A bronze plaque at Calvert and West Streets marks the beginning of his journey. Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau, 410-263-0511, www.visitannapolis.org.

President Lincoln visited Washington County several times. His most historic visit resulted in the release of the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln visited Antietam, in October 1862. The Antietam National Battlefield is known as the site of America's Bloodiest Day, and is Western Maryland's most-visited historical attraction.
Hagerstown-Washington County CVB, 888-257-2600, www.marylandmemories.com

The Roger Brooke Taney House will unveil a new exhibition that explores the relationship between President Lincoln and Chief Justice Taney. Only Two Sides to the Question: The Bitter Disagreements of Lincoln and Chief Justice Taney will open on Saturday, April 4, 2009. Tourism Council of Frederick County, 301-600-4050 or 800-999-3613, www.fredericktourism.org

Two men rose up from nothing, became unlikely friends, and shaped not only themselves but the nation. Abraham Lincoln needed Frederick Douglass to help destroy the Confederacy, and Douglass needed Lincoln to help end slavery. Explore Douglass’ early life in Talbot County, Maryland with our self-driving tour. Talbot County Office of Tourism, 11 S Harrison Street, Easton, MD 21601, 410-770-8000, www.tourtalbot.org

Pennsylvania

Across Pennsylvania, visitors can explore the numerous sites where Lincoln left a lasting legacy. Explore the sites he visited during his inaugural train ride to the nation’s capital, discover the sites of his famous speeches, or tour the regions made famous by Lincoln’s work via Pennsylvania’s Civil War Trails. Pennsylvania Tourism Office, 717-231-5342, codonnell@tierneyagency.com

A rare Lincoln Election Banner from his presidential campaigns is being restored and could be on display at the Delaware Historical Society’s Library/Museum in Chester by winter 2009. Appraised at nearly $100,000, it features two pictures of Lincoln, framed by the words: “Liberty and Union Now and Forever/One and Inseparable.”
Brandywine Conference & Visitors Bureau, 610-565-3679, www.brandywinecountry.org.

Exhibit of Lincoln artifacts at the Chester County Historical Society features authentic diaries and memorabilia. Guided walking tours in April at The Lincoln Room, a tea room located in the Lincoln Building where Lincoln's first biography was published; costumed guide describes West Chester's connection to Lincoln and the Underground Railroad.
Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau, 800-566-0109, www.Brandywinevalley.com.

There is no better place to relive Abraham Lincoln’s legacy than Gettysburg. He wasn’t here long, but long enough to transform this small town from one of tragedy to a place of renewed hope. Visit the cemetery, tour the historic train station and see the new David Wills House museum. Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, 717-338-1055, www.gettysburg.travel.

President Obama admires Abraham Lincoln and we do too! Hit the Laurel Highlands via the historic Lincoln Highway – named in honor of our 16th president and follow the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor’s quirky Roadside Museum and see hand-painted murals on barns, vintage gas pumps, site markers and interpretive waysides. Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, 800-333-5661, www.laurelhighlands.org.

T
[Back to Press Releases Main]