Abraham Lincoln

On November 18, 1863, Abraham Lincoln addressed citizens of Hanover from the rear platform of a Hanover Branch Railroad coach as his train, bound for Gettysburg for the dedication of the National Cemetery, came down a switch to the station that stood at this site. At the request of Captain A. W. Eichelberger, president of the railroad, several hundred people assembled to greet him. When Pastor M.J. Alleman of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church cried, "Father Abraham, your children want to hear you," Lincoln removed his hat and, bending his six feet four inches of height, stepped into view through the low doorway. A few people grasped his hand, and Jackie, or John A., Melsheimer, held up by his father, handed him an apple, which he accepted with a smile. Referring to the battle fought here on June 30, he said, "I trust when the enemy was here the citizens of Hanover were loyal to our country and the stars and stripes. If you are not all true patriots in support of the union you should be." Before he could say more, the engineer opened the throttle and the train backed out after an eight-minute stop. The next day the president’s train paused here briefly again. After the trip, Lincoln gave the conductor, John Eckert, a silver watch. The car that carried him from Hanover Junction to Hanover and Gettysburg had been built in a railroad shop on this public common.

Hanover, Pennsylvania · United States