Lincoln: February 2008 Archives

In a recent post, I recounted a visit through York County by veterans of the 14th Brooklyn (also known as the 84th New York Militia) in 1867 as they returned to Gettysburg. I received word that a movie is in production about another colorful New York regiment, the 5th New York or Duryee's Zouaves. The movie is appropriately entitled Red Legged Devils. Among the credits is James Gettys, the Gettysburg resident who is well known for his living history portrayals of Abraham Lincoln, whom he plays in this upcoming movie. The movie is based upon a book by the late Brian Pohanka.

Civil War movies have recently been a mixed bag. Wicked Spring got good reviews, buy played to a limited audience. Johnny Shiloh never made it past the Ohio region. Cold Mountain garnered an Oscar for Rene Zellweger, and Gods & Generals garnered snores. It will be interested to see how Red Legged Devils is received.

What have been your favorite (and least favorite) Civil War movies?

Abraham Lincoln remains one of the most well-known and revered Americans of the 19th Century. He was a complex man, with far more nuances and characteristics than the common public perception. Andy Martin will explore some of these facets of Lincoln's personality in his upcoming talk at the York Civil War Round Table on February 20 at the York County Heritage Trust at 7 p.m.

Unlike today's presidents, Lincoln was highly visible around Washington, with frequent walks, carriage rides, horseback rides, and other casual pursuits that often compelled his bodyguards to implore him to use more caution. Washington at the time was a hot, muggy place in the summer, and the White House was not the most comfortable living quarters. Lincoln often rode out to a breezier location and sojourned in a small cottage. This home has recently been restored and will be open to the public beginning on President's Day. It will make a perfect one-tank day trip down to D.C.

For more information, see the CNN article.

A. Lincoln

2008 York CWRT schedule

Honest Abe. The Rail Splitter. The Great Emancipator. The Buffoon. In his lifetime, Abraham Lincoln elicited many nicknames, most positive and some decidedly unflattering. Lincoln was a polarizing figure, with almost as many detractors as admirers. Newspapers of the period were biased, depending upon political backing, and hundreds of anti-Lincoln cartoons exist.

Speaker Andrew Martin will present what promises to be a fascinating talk on the life of Lincoln at the next meeting of the York Civil War Round Table on February 20 at 7 p.m. at the York County Heritage Trust in downtown York. The meeting, as always, is free to the public, so be sure to mark your calendars! His presentation is entitled "Abraham Lincoln as Seen Through the Eyes of Many Historians."