Media Advisory
October 1, 2012
“Lincoln Comes to Frederick”: Lincoln living historian to deliver brief historic speech during Heritage Trail Marker dedication on October 4, 2012
What: “Lincoln Comes to Frederick” will commemorate Lincoln’s speech made in Frederick 150 years ago on October 4, 1862 after the Battle of Antietam. A Lincoln living historian will portray Lincoln and deliver the brief remarks Lincoln made in Frederick in 1862. Following the speech, the Tourism Council of Frederick County and the Downtown Frederick Partnership will dedicate the Heritage Trail Marker system which includes a marker that commemorates this historic moment. The Heritage Trail Marker system was funded by a Preserve America grant.
Where: South Market at East All Saints Street in Frederick, Maryland
When: Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 4 p.m.
Who: Lincoln living historian James Haney of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania will portray Lincoln and deliver the brief remarks Lincoln made in 1862. Immediately following the speech, the Heritage Trail Marker system will be dedicated. Remarks will be made by Richard Griffin, City of Frederick; Kara Norman, Downtown Frederick Partnership; Chris Haugh, Tourism Council of Frederick County. John Fieseler, Executive Director of the Tourism Council of Frederick County will emcee the event.
Visuals: Opportunity to photograph or video Lincoln’s speech that was made 150 years ago on October 4, 1862 in Frederick, MD.
Event’s Historic Background: Following the Battle of Antietam in 1862, President Lincoln visited the battlefield and met with Gen. McClellan and others as he surveyed the scenes of battle. On his way back to Washington, Lincoln stopped in Frederick to visit Gen. George Hartsuff who had been injured at Antietam. After his visit with Gen. Hartsuff, who was recovering at the Ramsey House at 119 Record St. in Frederick, MD, Lincoln made his way to the B&O train station.
At the station, a small throng had gathered and President Lincoln gave a short speech to Frederick residents from the back of his train car. “I also return thanks, not only to the soldiers, but to the good citizens of Frederick, and to the good men, women, and children in this land of ours, for their devotion to this glorious cause,” Lincoln said as he thanked the citizens of Frederick.
Harper's Weekly Magazine depicted this event in the October 25, 1862 issue. Today, there is a Civil War Trails marker on northwest corner of All Saints and Market streets that details this event. The new Heritage Trail marker system also commemorates this historic speech.
Contact: Michelle Kershner, Marketing & Communication Manager for the Tourism Council of Frederick County, 301-600-4023, 301-471-4950 (cell) or mkershner@fredco-md.net.