African Americans Enter Abraham Lincoln's White House, 1863-1865
The New Years’ Day reception became a White House tradition with President John Adams in 1801 and ended with President Herbert Ho...
Have you ever wondered...
Can you name the most famous ghost of the White House?
The Abraham Lincoln ghost is by far the most famous spirit to haunt the White House. Probably the first known sighting of the Lincoln apparition at the White House was recorded in a newspaper story related by doorman Jerry Smith in 1903. Sightings usually place Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Bedroom and Yellow Oval Room. First Lady Grace Coolidge, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands claimed to have seen Lincoln. The first families have had great fun with Lincoln’s ghost and pulled pranks on guests staying in the Lincoln bedroom over the years.
You Might Also Like
-
-
Lincoln in the State Dining Room
For over 75 years, George Peter Alexander Healy’s portrait of Abraham Lincoln has remained an important aesthetic element for the Wh...
-
Inauguration of 1861
On December 20, 1860, South Carolina seceded from the United States. Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas followed soon after. In...
-
Abraham Lincoln's White House
On a hot summer day in August 1864, Abraham Lincoln strolled from his Second-Floor office to the lawn outside the Executive...
-
The United States Marine Band: Origins & Traditions
The Marine Band, the first musical ensemble to perform at the White House, has provided a continual opportunity for presidents...
-
Fourth of July Celebrations at the White House in the 19th Century
The People's House: Thomas Jefferson began the tradition of a public reception to celebrate the Fourth of July in 1801. The...
-
Photo Inauguration of 1861: Abraham Lincoln Sworn into Office - Photo 1
Inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln, March 4, 1861
-
Photo Italy in the White House: Civil War Garibaldi Guard
On July 4, 1861, Union troops marched past the White House in a review held at the outbreak of the Civil War....
-
Photo Inauguration of 1861: Abraham Lincoln Sworn into Office - Photo 2
President Abraham Lincoln's inaugural procession passing the gate outside the Capitol on March 4, 1861.
-
Photo President Abraham Lincoln's Inaugural Ball
This illustration was published in Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, a successful weekly publication that combined pictures and news. All magazine ill...
-
Photo Restoration of the Soldiers' Home
The piazza is returned to its earlier appearance, confirmed as being this way at least in the earliest part of...
-
Photo African Americans at the Lincoln White House - Photo 1
This hand-colored wood engraving by Alfred R. Waud appeared in the centerfold of Harper's Weekly on January 25, 1862. Waud made a...