100TH ANNIVERSARY!!! Lincoln-Thomas Day -- September 21st at Fort Stevens
- Kim Patterson
- Sep 20, 2024
- 2 min read
Brightwood neighbors,
You are invited!
100th Anniversary of Lincoln-Thomas Day at Ft. Stevens on Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 P.M.
Lincoln-Thomas Day commemorates the unique alliance between President Abraham Lincoln and local citizen Elizabeth Proctor Thomas, as well as the Battle of Fort Stevens, which saved the Federal City from a Confederate takeover of the nation’s capital—then called the Federal City.
The program will begin at 10 00 a.m. with a wreath-laying ceremony at Ft. Stevens, located at 13th and Quackenbos Street, N.W. (Re-Named Elizabeth Thomas Way”) between 13th Street and Georgia Avenue, N.W. Bring the whole family and enjoy an event of historical importance!
It begins with a wreath-laying ceremony by U.S. Colored Troops reenactors of the Civil War era, posting of “The Colors” by the JROTC of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School--under the direction of LTC (Ret.) Col. David Daniels. There will be Civil War re-enactors that include President Lincoln and Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas, an excellent presentation by Civil War historian Bernard Siler on the “Battle at Ft. Stevens,” music by the Montgomery Blair High School Singers of Silver Spring, MD and many other features as we pay tribute to these two individuals of the Civil War-era from very different backgrounds. They shared a profound connection to Ft. Stevens and the preservation of our nation.
Best,
Commissioner Kim Patterson
ANC 4A05, Brightwood Neighborhood
Background:
Lincoln-Thomas Day was initiated by the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, Inc. in session August 3-6, 1924 in Chicago. It was observed on September 22, 1924 in various cities across the nation. Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas, was known as the owner of Fort Stevens until her death on October 13, 1917.
On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued a preliminary proclamation ordering the emancipation of all slaves in any state of the Confederate States of America that did not return to Union control by January 1, 1863. No states returned; and the order, signed and issued January 1, 1863, became effective, except in locations where the Union had already mostly regained control. Thus, the date of September 22nd is still considered by many to be the most defining act of his presidency.
The mutual alliance between President Abraham Lincoln and Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas presented unique challenges for both in balancing necessity with sacrifice. And although historical accounts provide a range of interpretations with respect to some specifics of that alliance, this organization deemed this President, known as "the Great Emancipator," and an ordinary citizen known as “the owner of Fort Stevens,” to be “memorable characters” worthy of national recognition. She was a great civic leader. As president of the Elizabeth Thomas Citizens’ Association, organized in 1909, it has been said she did much to help shape the civic affairs of the District of Columbia. This event is sponsored by the Military Road School Preservation Trust with support by the National Park Service. For more information, please call (202) 577-6956 or the National Park Service Civil War Defenses of Washington Staff at (202) 829-4650.
Patricia A. Tyson, President
Military Road School Preservation Trust
202/577-6956
