The Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia has published The Guide to Lincoln Sites In and Around Washington, DC as one of our Lincoln Bicentennial initiatives. Authored by former Lincoln Group President Burris Carnahan, the guide made its debut earlier this year. Those who attended the Lincoln Bicentennial Banquet on February 12, 2009, received a copy of the guide as a remembrance of the evening.

The 44-page publication describes Lincoln-related sites not only in the city of Washington but also in the neighboring states of Maryland and Virginia. Photographs and illustrations, some from Lincoln’s time and others from our own, accompany the site write-ups. Many of the sites included in the guide are well-known places, obvious choices to tell the Lincoln story in the Capitol City. Among these are the White House, Ford’s Theatre, the Capitol and the Navy Yard. Lesser known but equally fascinating locations include Seneca, MD, where in August 1848 Lincoln made his first speech in support of Zachary Taylor’s presidential campaign, and the "Contraband" Camp, site of the current Masonic Temple, in Alexandria, VA. At this latter location, Lincoln reviewed General Sickles’ Division in 1862. The guide focuses on sites visited by Lincoln. However, there are two exceptions: Lincoln Park, the site of Thomas Ball’s Emancipation Group/Freedman’s Monument and, of course, the Lincoln Memorial. Suggestions for further reading on various aspects of Lincoln’s life are also included in the publication.

Well-chosen quotes from the period accompany many of the site descriptions. The following words taken from John Hay’s diary (entry for August 19, 1863) will transport members who frequent our dinner meetings at Ft. McNair back to Lincoln’s visit to that location. "This evening and yesterday evening an hour was spent by the President in shooting with Spencer’s new repeating rifle…The President made some pretty good shots. Spencer, the inventor, a quiet little Yankee who sold himself in relentless slavery to his idea for six weary years before it was perfect, did some splendid shooting. My shooting was lamentably bad." Other words relate a national tragedy as in James S. Knox’s writing to his father on April 15, 1865: "It is with sad feeling that I take up my pen & address you. Last night at 10 o’clock, I witnessed the saddest tragedy…" Readers will catch glimpses of Lincoln’s Washington life while Congressman, described in a letter to Mary Todd on July 2, 1848. "The music on the Capitol grounds on Saturdays, or, rather, the interest in it, is dwindling to nothing. Yesterday evening the attendance was rather thin."

The guide measures approximately 4" x 9" – the perfect size to put in your pocket or tote when touring Lincoln sites.

Are you interested in a copy of our guide for your next DC walk or visit to the Nation’s Capital? The Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia Guide to Lincoln Sites In and Around, DC is now available for purchase. The cost of the Guide is $5.00 plus $3.00 postage & handling for orders in the United States only. For orders outside the United States or to purchase multiple copies of the Guide, please contact us. Please send your order with check or postal money order payable to 'LGDC' to the following address: The Lincoln Group of DC; Friendship Station P.O. Box 5676; Washington, DC 20016. Copies will be mailed USPS First Class in a cardboard mailer. Please allow up to three to four weeks for delivery.

The guide is also available locally in the Washington area at the following sites:

• Lincoln Memorial
• Library of Congress
• Museum of American History
• Georgetown University Book Store
• Politics and Prose Book Store