Campaign Parade Torch, 1888
Campaign Parade Torch, 1888
Usage conditions apply
- Description
- The successful presidential campaign of Republican Abraham Lincoln perfected the nighttime torchlight parade as an entertainment of unprecedented scale that attracted the attention of men, women, and children. The concept originated in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1858, and was revived for Lincoln’s campaign by the city’s young Republicans. Tailored oil-resistant enameled cloth capes distinguished the marchers, some of whom were too young to vote. Their example spread from Hartford to cities in the northeastern United States, which contributed traveling companies totaling some ten thousand uniformed men with torches to a Grand Procession in New York City on October 3, 1860. The martial spectacle—including fireworks, Lincoln “Wide Awake” transparencies, and floats—created envy among the city’s Democrats, and panic among southern sympathizers who regarded the torch-lit parade as a provocation.
- This canteen-shaped torch is from 1888.
- Object Name
- Torch
- Physical Description
- tin (overall mateial)
- Measurements
- overall: 2 1/2 in x 4 1/2 in; 6.35 cm x 11.43 cm
- ID Number
- PL.227739.1888.H13
- catalog number
- 227739.1888.H13
- accession number
- 227739
- Credit Line
- The Ralph E Becker Collection of Political Americana
- subject
- Political Campaigns
- See more items in
- Political and Military History: Political History, Campaign Collection
- Government, Politics, and Reform
- American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith
- Exhibition
- American Democracy
- Exhibition Location
- National Museum of American History
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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