Lincoln Inaugural Artifacts

President Abraham Lincoln was first inaugurated in 1861. He served as president through the American Civil War. His second inauguration in 1865 was shortly before the end of the conflict. Explore Abraham Lincoln's first and second presidential inaugurations through artifacts from the Ford's Theatre National Historic Site museum collection.

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Campaign Flag, 1860

Catalog Number: FOTH 3048
Materials: Linen

This campaign flag was used during the presidential election of 1860, in which Abraham Lincoln ran for office with Hannibal Hamlin as his vice president. A bust portrait of Lincoln appears in a field of blue at the upper right, surrounded by thirteen white stars. Above Lincoln’s image in the flag, the word "wideawake” is printed. In large letters across the body of the flag the names “Lincoln & Hamlin” are printed.

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Campaign Pin, 1860

Catalog Number: FOTH 3262
Material: Bronze

A campaign pin in the shape of a small bronze axe was used as insignia for the Railsplitter Party in the presidential election of 1860. Lincoln was dubbed “The Railsplitter” by the Republican Party, a name that recalled his youth. "The rail splitter" is printed in raised letters on blade, and “Honest Abe” is printed in raised letters on handle. A small ring is attached to the back of the handle.

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Print, 1861

Catalog Number: FOTH 5465
Material: Paper

A print from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper published on March 16, 1861. This print of Abraham Lincoln’s first inauguration is from a photograph by George Stacy. Lincoln is standing under a canopy and a large American flag. A large crowd is gathered.

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Banner, 1861

Catalog Number: FOTH 3377
Material: Silk

This decorative copy of Lincoln’s first inaugural address is printed on white satin with black lettering. It is one of a few copies printed by J.E. Allen of Springfield on the day following the delivery of the address. It was printed immediately after the report was received by telegraph. This banner was presented to by Joseph B. Forselman to Osborn Oldroyd for inclusion in his museum collection in July of 1887.

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Print, 1861

Catalog Number: FOTH 5809
Material: Paper

A drawing from a newspaper in 1861 shows Lincoln’s first inauguration. The U.S. Capitol building was still undergoing construction. The construction would not be finished until after Lincoln’s second Inauguration in 1865.

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Inaugural Ball Program, 1861

Catalog Number: FOTH 3380
Material: Paper

This program is from Lincoln’s inaugural ball of 1861. The print reads: "Union Ball in honor of the Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, Washington, D.C., March 4, 1861." The back cover depicts an eagle atop a scroll labeled "Constitution.”

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Second Inaugural Ball Invitation, 1865

Catalog Number: FOTH 5341
Material: Paper

An invitation to the National Inaugural Ball on March 4, 1865. Pictures of Lincoln and Vice President Andrew Johnson adorn the top of the page, a list of event managers follows. The invitation was issued to "Miss Sallie Humphreys.”

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Scene of Washington D.C., 1865

Catalog Number: FOTH 4126
Material: Paper

A crowd is gathered on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. in 1865. The picture shows a parade underway, possibly for President Lincoln's second inaugural festivities.

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Photograph, 1865

Catalog Number: FOTH 826
Material: Paper

Carte-de-visite of the U.S. Capitol during Lincoln’s second inauguration in 1865. The Capitol building was still under construction during the event.

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Print, 1865

Catalog Number: FOTH 3452
Material: Paper

Newspaper clipping from March 4, 1865. The engraving shows a scene at the U.S. Capitol with crowds gathered to watch Lincoln’s inauguration ceremonies.

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Certificate, 1868

Catalog Number: FOTH 5843
Material: Paper

Certificate regarding proof in Ward H. Lamon's possession that J.W. Westfall seized John Wilkes Booth and prevented him from cracking the inaugural platform at Lincoln’s second inauguration. Written in brown ink on lined paper from the National Hotel, F. Tenney & Co.

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Affidavit of J. W. Westfall

Catalog Number: FOTH 5831
Material: Paper

A handwritten page that reads, “Affidavit of J.W. Westfall of N.Y. on the matter of the attempted assassination of President Lincoln on the day of the Second Inauguration. Lamon's History.”