Lincoln, Grant share stories for Constitution Day

The image above depicts President Abraham Lincoln reflecting on some of the challenges and struggles he faced during the Civil War, as General Ulysses S. Grant listens attentively. In the photograph at right, Grant shares his own experiences and challenges in leading soldiers into battle during this turbulent and pivotal period in American history.

Constitution Day activities in Huntington began Wednesday, September 16, as historical reenactors portraying President Abraham Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant entertained a crowd in Zurcher Auditorium on the campus of Huntington University.

President Lincoln shared stories about the events and battles leading up to the Civil War, as well as personal struggles he faced throughout his life. He spoke about his reliance on faith and a higher power to help him through difficult times. Lincoln also reflected on the heartbreaking loss of his son, William Wallace “Willie” Lincoln, who died in the White House. He explained how Willie’s death deeply devastated both him and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, while they continued to face the tremendous pressures and responsibilities of leading the nation during the Civil War.

General Grant spoke about the hardships of war and the tremendous difficulty of asking soldiers to march into battle during such a turbulent period in American history. He discussed several significant battles and campaigns, including the Battle of Fort Sumter, the Battle of Shiloh, the Battle of Antietam at Sharpsburg, the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Siege of Vicksburg and the Appomattox Campaign.

Grant also discussed the Battle of Antietam, fought on September 17, 1862, which remains the bloodiest single day in American military history, with more than 22,000 casualties. He concluded with the events at Appomattox Court House in April 1865, where General Robert E. Lee surrendered his Confederate Army to Grant on April 9, effectively bringing the Civil War to an end.

On Thursday, September 17, Lincoln and Grant continued their educational programs by speaking with fifth-grade students from the Huntington County Community Schools. Because Lincoln had other obligations in Holland, Michigan, Grant remained in Huntington and visited the Huntington County History & Education Center Thursday evening, where he presented an additional program for the community.

Each year, the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce organizes Constitution Day activities to bring historical reenactors to the community and provide residents and students with an opportunity to learn more about American history through firsthand storytelling and educational presentations.

The annual event is held in conjunction with Constitution Day, observed on September 17. The date also carries special significance for Huntington, as September 17, 1873, is the date Huntington was incorporated as a city. This year’s programs were sponsored by the City of Huntington, Huntington University and the Huntington County Community Schools.