Numerous things occurred in April 1865 around the Nation’s Capital and the White House. Abraham Lincoln was alerted of Confederate Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox on April 9th, that signaled the end of the Civil War. A month prior to the surrender, he gave his second inaugural address to the Nation after winning the election over democratic nominee and former Union Army general George McClellan. Lincoln received 55.1% of the popular vote. On April 13th, Lincoln left the White House and headed toward the Cottage northwest of town to relax. This cottage is now called the President Lincoln’s Cottage.
Recently as of 2008, this cottage is open to the public. Lincoln resided at the cottage with his family during the months of June to November of 1862-1864. I was able to explore the cottage with family members during the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s assassination. It was an amazing experience to witness where his family would enjoy Washington D.C. away from the tidal basin and how he would have to travel back and forth each day to the White House.
Citizens around Washington D.C. were happy that Lincoln continued to improve the Nation and was looking forward to the next four years and see where Reconstruction would occur between the North and the South. Flags waved through the streets and across different locations around town.