Avocational (not amateur) historian in an IT nerd's body. Geoff Elliott tweets mainly about Lincoln and other historical figures. MAGA losers are blocked!
Today marks the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The day after that horrific event, the Chicago Sun Times printed this iconic sketch by Bill Mauldin, depicting the Lincoln Memorial statue of Lincoln weeping.
At long last, a memorial to men who fought to destroy our Republic no longer desecrates a National Cemetery which honors men and women who fought FOR our Republic. Arlington National Cemetery is free of that monument to evil.
"I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah with 150 heavy guns & plenty of ammunition & also about 25000 bales of cotton." Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, telegram to Lincoln, December 22, 1864.
@KatiePavlich
@soledadobrien
America wasn't the first country to originate slavery, but it was one of the LAST nations to officially ban it. Ms. O'Brien shouldn't have called you a moron, Ms. Pavlich, but your original statement shows your stunning lack of knowldge about history. Just Google it. Duh!
(Editor's Note) This image is an extreme closeup of an image snapped 160 years ago today. It shows President Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address.
We once had a POTUS who held a patent, who studied science, who helped to start the National Academy of Science. Who believed in the truth. Who told the truth.
This day in 1865, Robert E. Lee surrenders the Army of Northern Virginia to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse, VA. Lost Causers immediately start lying about the reason for the war.
Just after noon today in 1863, President Lincoln signs the Emancipation Proclamation, a wartime measure freeing enslaved persons held in any states or portion of states in rebellion against the U.S. government. Image of original document in National Archives.
160 years ago today, Lincoln and John Hay visit Alexander Gardner's new photographic studio at the corner of 7th and D Streets in D.C. He sits for several poses, having promised Gardner that he would be his first subject.
Today in 1863, Lincoln promotes Brig. Gen. John Buford, who is on his death bed, to Maj. Gen. for his leadership on the 1st day of the Battle of Gettysburg. His recognition of holding the high ground on that day helped the Union achieve victory there.
By now most of you have read about or heard Trump claim in Iowa that the American Civil War could have been "negotiated," and that Lincoln messed up by not negotiating with the states which ended up claiming to secede. Let's proceed with a brief history lesson, shall we?
Lincoln posed for this William Marsh photograph on May 20, 1860 in Springfield. Taken only two days after he won the GOP nomination for the Presidency, this represents the first time millions of people learned what he looked like. Image courtesy Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC.
"Sally Fields" is trending. No doubt there's an actual Sally Fields, but the two-time Best Actress recipient of the Academy Award is "Sally FIELD" as in one field. And she was ripped off for Best Supporting Actress for her brilliant performance as Mary Lincoln.
Today in 1864, Abraham Lincoln is re-elected for another term as the 16th President of the United States. The new Vice-President will be Andrew Johnson of Tennessee, the only U.S. Senator from a southern state who remained loyal to the Union.
Does anyone besides me find it ironic that people who call themselves "patriots" are actively trying to overturn the will of the people in the 2020 election?
My favorite Lincoln photo of them all. Taken November 8, 1863 by Alexander Gardner in Washington City, the portrait shows the determination he has as the war rages. Eleven days before he delivers his famous address at Gettysburg.
Robert E. Lee was given a free military education by his country. Declined command of his country's army, resigned his commission, and then took up arms against his country. All to preserve and spread the institution of slavery. Trump is a Confederate sympathizer.
President Trump on Charlottesville: "I've answered that question and if you look at what I said you will see that that question was answered perfectly, and I was talking about people that went because they felt very strongly about the monument to Robert E. Lee, a great general."
160 years ago today, Lincoln walks to Mathew Brady's portrait gallery, where he poses for several photos taken by Anthony Berger. This image was considered by Robert T. Lincoln to be the most true-to-life photo of his father. Image courtesy National Archives.
Today in 1882, Mary Lincoln dies in Springfield, IL at the age of 64 after a long decline in health, both physical and mental. Hers was a life full of tragedy, and she deserves more empathy than she receives from people today. Image shows her in mourning for son Willie.
The national GOP convention held today in 1860 nominates 51-year-old Abraham Lincoln of Illinois as its candidate for President of the United States. Fire the salute!
160 years ago today, Lincoln writes Lt. Gen. Grant, wishing him and the army well as the Spring campaign opens: "And now with a brave Army, and a just cause, may God sustain you." Lincoln to Grant, April 30, 1864.
Lincoln sits for this photo today in 1860. Taken by Samuel Atschuler in Chicago, it's the first known image of Lincoln with whiskers. Courtesy Library of Congress.
I've been on Twitter for over 14 years. This tweet from this morning is overwhelmingly the most viewed, RT, and bookmarked one I've ever had. It's not even about Lincoln. But thank you for all the interest today!! - Geoff Elliott
Today marks the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The day after that horrific event, the Chicago Sun Times printed this iconic sketch by Bill Mauldin, depicting the Lincoln Memorial statue of Lincoln weeping.
This rare tintype from a private collection was taken Feb. 9, 1861, only two days before Lincoln and his family left Springfield for his inauguration in Washington. Photographer was Christopher German and was taken in Springfield.
Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States, dies at 7:22 a.m. today in 1865. A gentle rain is falling in Washington. People comment that even the heavens are weeping.
#AbrahamLincoln
"A house divided against itself cannot stand. believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved – I do not expect the house to fall – but I do expect it will cease to be divided." Lincoln, June 16, 1858
This account has roughly 20,200 followers or so. However, on average of no more than 150 followers "like" a given tweet. Very few people interact with the account. What's the point of all the effort? Is it worth it at all? I don't really know.
Remarks of President Abraham Lincoln delivered at the Dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, November 19, 1863. Printed in the NY Times, November 20, 1863.
Good morning from Gettysburg, PA where today in 1863 the new Soldiers National Cemetery is to be officially dedicated. Crowds are gathering as the procession is forming.
This rare image of Lincoln was taken April 20, 1864 by Anthony Berger at Brady's Studio in D.C. I try to post such things on the particular anniversary of the photo or event, but sometimes I miss the date. Image courtesy Library of Congress.
This photo shows the assembled crowd in front of
@FordsTheatreNPS
on April 14, 2015 during a vigil to commemorate the 150th of the assassination. I took this photo from the upper floors of the Theatre that night as part of the invited "Live Tweetup" to honor Mr. Lincoln.
#OTD
in 1865, 100,000 mourners file past Lincoln's coffin in Buffalo, NY. Among those mourners are former POTUS Fillmore and future POTUS Cleveland. The image shows a close up of the hearse (far left) which carried the remains in a procession in Buffalo.
I'm Geoff Elliott, the guy who's been tweeting about those 24 hours Mr. Lincoln spent in Gettysburg. I do so annually as my own tribute to our greatest POTUS who delivered the greatest speech in American history at the small town of Gettysburg. Thank you for following along!
Abraham Lincoln of Illinois is elected the 16th President of the United States today in 1860, though the results aren't official until the following day. Fire the salute!
160 years ago today, Lincoln determines to remove Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker as commander of the Army of the Potomac, replacing him with Maj. Gen. George Meade.
While strolling through an antique mall today, I hit the mother lode. A complete and original 10-volume edition of "The Photographic History of The Civil War." Published in 1911. Scarce and in great condition. $49 for the set! Dealers ask over $1,000 for these.
160 years ago today, June 28, 1864, President Lincoln signs a Congressional Act which REPEALS the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act, forever forbidding the return of escaped enslaved persons to their owner. A major step towards final Emancipation.
Today in 1860, the GOP nominee for U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln, poses for two images by William Marsh in Springfield. The image on left is held by the Library of Congress. The photo on right is in the Metopolitan Museum of Art in NYC.
General William T. Sherman arrives at City Point, VA tonight in 1865. He's there to discuss war strategy with Lincoln, Grant, and Rear Adm. David Porter. The meeting is depicted by George P.A. Healy in his 1868 painting "The Peacemakers."
160 years ago today in Washington, D.C. President Lincoln pays a visit to Alexander Gardner's photograph studio. One of the results is perhaps the most famous (and in my opinion, greatest) image of Lincoln.
155 years ago today, the first Transcontinental Railroad in the U.S. is completed at Promontory Summit, Utah. The railroad was authorized by the Pacific Railroad Act of 1862, which Lincoln signed July 1, 1862.
Today in 1860, Lincoln sits for Philadelphia artist John H. Brown, who specializes in miniature portraits. This is painted on ivory, measures 5.5" x 4.5", and is in the National Portrait Gallery, D.C. Perhaps the finest painting of Lincoln.
Abraham Lincoln arrives in Decatur, IL today in 1860, wanting to be present for the state Republican convention, which will begin the next day. He's most likely the favorite of the convention, but politics are difficult to predict. He poses for this photo on May 9.
Today in 1860, the GOP National Convention held at The Wigwam in Chicago nominates Abraham Lincoln of IL to be its candidate for the U.S. Presidency. Fire the salute! Two days later he poses for this image by William Marsh.
165 years ago today in 1858, Lincoln delivers his famed "House Divided" speech after receiving the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate. Photos show Lincoln the month before, the original speech, and the room in which he spoke at the IL Capitol.
And this concludes my annual "live tweets" of the events surrounding the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery at Gettysburg. Those men and boys gave their lives that our nation might live. This is my way of honoring them, and of course, Mr. Lincoln. I'm grateful to you!
Today in 1809, Abraham Lincoln is born to Thomas and Nancy Lincoln in a one room log cabin near what is now Hodgenville, KY. He will have an extraordinary life. Happy Birthday, Mr. Lincoln!
#AbrahamLincoln
#OTD
in 1861, Lincoln's longtime political rival U.S. Senator Stephen A. Douglas dies at the age of 48. Lincoln orders the government closed on the day of the funeral and all government departments draped in mourning for 30 days.
Since about 4:30 today in 1863, Lincoln has been inside the Presbyterian church here in Gettysburg listening to an address by Lt. Governor-elect Charles Anderson. Lincoln is with John Burns, the only civilian who fought in the battle here in July. Photo of Mr. Burns.
I think I've hit a plateau of people who are interested in Lincoln. I've been trying different things for months, yet I've steadily lost followers for many weeks. It's a LOT of work. But I'm grateful for so many remaining.
"I, John Brown, am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood. I had, as I now think, vainly flattered myself that without very much bloodshed it might be done." Final words of John Brown, hanged today in 1859.
This photo of Lincoln with son Tad was taken Feb. 5, 1865 by Alexander Gardner. Image courtesy J. Paul Getty Museum. No known image exists of Lincoln posing with wife Mary, son Robert, or son Willie.
160 years ago today, forces under William T. Sherman launch a final assault to force rebel troops to abandon Atlanta. The Battle of Jonesborough, GA ends in a Union victory. The capture of Atlanta helps Lincoln win victory in November.
Tonight in 1862, Lincoln and general John Pope take a secret trip to West Point, NY to consult with retired general Winfield Scott on military strategy. The war isn't going well, with McClellan's Army of the Potomac bogged down on the Virginia peninsula.
#OTD
in 1862, Lincoln signs the nomination of U.S. Grant for a promotion to Maj. General of Volunteers for his victories at the Battles of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson in Tennessee. The victories opened the Cumberland River to the Union, paving the way for invasion of the South.
Thank you, everyone, for following this account dedicated to facts about Mr. Lincoln. I must be doing something right, because I never dreamed it would have so many followers. I'm grateful.
Today in 1862, Lincoln holds a cabinet meeting where he surprises the various secretaries by reading them the first draft of the Emancipation Proclamation. At the suggestion of Sec. of State Seward, he withholds announcing it until a battle victory by Union forces.
"Best President" is trending on Twitter over a dispute between Biden fans and fans of the Orange One. Please. We know who the best president is. Accept no substitute.
"...for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live...." Lincoln, excerpt of Gettysburg Address, Nov. 19, 1863. Photo courtesy National Park Service.
#MemorialDayWeekend2024
One of Lincoln's best moves as President occurs today in 1862 when he appoints Edwin M. Stanton to the position of Secretary of War, replacing the inept and corrupt Simon Cameron. Cameron on left, Stanton on right.
I've lost a handful of followers since I've been ridiculing the convicted felon who is an orange cult leader. Snowflakes can't handle the truth. Good damn riddance! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
This man would be branded a RINO in today's
@GOP
. Trump's Tinfoil Hat Brigade (THB) would never accept him. They'd call him treasonous for wanting to end slavery.
The train carrying Mr. Lincoln and other dignitaries is now approaching the hamlet of Hanover, Pennaylvania on the way to Gettysburg. Though he is apparently not feeling well, the President has been keeping his fellow passengers entertained with several of his amusing stories.
Thanks to everyone who followed along for these Gettysburg "live tweets."! If even one person learned something new, my efforts were worth it. And welcome to all the new followers. Stay tuned for almost daily tweets about every aspect of Abraham Lincoln's life. - Geoff Elliott.
#OTD
in 1864, Lincoln and his family are in Philadelphia to attend the Great Central Fair, which is a fundraiser for the U.S. Sanitary Commission. He donates 48 copies of the Emancipation Proclamation, each one signed by him. They sell for $10, which is about $190 today.
The fundamental difference between decency and honor vs. indecency and dishonor.
Biden To Visit WWI Cemetery Five Years After Trump Refused To Honor ‘Suckers’ And ‘Losers’
160 years ago today, Lincoln wins the nomination of the National Union Party to be its candidate for the U.S. presidency. Andrew Johnson of Tennessee is his running mate. Poster by Currier and Ives. Public domain.
Speaking of the War of Northern Aggression, Ulysses S. Grant must have been psychic.
Who could have predicted the Republican Party would one day be the ones calling for Civil War to overthrow the gov't and seize power?
#ProudBlue
#VoteBlueToStopTheStupid
#TrumpSmellsLikeAss
This is a classic example of BAD history, two big errors in one tweet. The GOP was not "brand new" in 1860. It ran John C. Fremont in 1856. And the convention, NOT Lincoln, chose Andrew Johnson. Follow my count for accurate historical facts. 😊
Lincoln won the presidency on the brand new Republican ticket in 1860 with 39.8% in a four-way race. He took a Democrat, Andrew Johnson as his running mate in 1864.
Today in 1866, the US Congress votes to commission sculptor Vinnie Ream to create a statue of Abraham Lincoln. She is the first woman to receive such a commission and remains the youngest person (18) to receive one from Congress. The statue resides in the U.S. Capitol rotunda.
160 years ago today, a visit from a widowed African-American spouse of an African-American soldier prompts Lincoln to wrote to Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner, urging legislation to treat widows and children of African-American soldiers with equality to white survivors.
Today and tomorrow I'll be "live tweeting" from 1863 as Mr. Lincoln goes to Gettysburg and delivers his immortal remarks at the dedication of the National Cemetery. These two days are among my favorite ones every year. Won't you follow along?