I was so excited when I realized my Booking It Through History: First Ladies project had Mary Lincoln as the focus for April. That month is one of the most important months in her own history as well as Civil War history. I have read many books about Mary over the years and was excited to add even more to my list as I focused on her sad life.
Each month, I’ll detail the life of the first lady and their legacy. Then I’ll share what I learned while studying them, along with ways you can travel in their footsteps through historical sites and museums. I’ll also share books, podcasts, TV shows, and websites where you can learn even more about that first lady. Read all of the way through the blog post or click on the links below to go straight to those sections.
Life
Childhood
Mary Todd was born into a wealthy and prominent family in Lexington, Kentucky on December 13, 1818. Her father, Robert, was a descendent of the founder of Lexington and was an owner of a flourishing dry goods business and rising politician. Her mother, Elizabeth (Eliza), came from the elite Parker family, and the Todds lived in a separate house on the widow Parker’s vast property.
Mary was the fourth child born to her mother in six years of marriage. Mary Ann, as she was called then, was the third daughter, but soon lost her middle name when the fourth daughter, Ann, was born just two years later. Her mother was constantly pregnant while her father was involved in business and politics out of town, so young Mary became close with her grandmother Parker and an enslaved cook. They encouraged the precocious and strong-willed Mary, and they became even more important in her life when her mother died in 1825 after the birth of her seventh child. Mary was only six years old.
Just a few weeks after his wife’s death, Robert Todd started courting another young woman named Elizabeth (Betsey) whose father was important in Kentucky politics. They married on November 1, 1826, and Mary’s new stepmother moved into the Todd home and took control of six children ranging in ages from thirteen to just one year old. Having a new “Ma” was hard on little Mary, especially with her grandmother’s strong disapproval of the union.
The match with his wealthy in-laws was fortuitous, however, as Robert’s fortunes were taking a downturn. Mary adored her absent father and was always looking for his attention. She was not a fan of her new stepmother and the feeling seems mutual as Betsey called Mary, the “limb of Satan loping down the broad road leading to destruction.”
The Todd children were joined by the children of their father’s new marriage as Betsey soon gave birth the first of nine children. Mary felt shunted to the side as Betsey made it clear she wasn’t a welcome part of the family by sending her off to boarding school (just over a mile away).
Mary thrived in the school environment, proving an able and quick student. She had a consistent and superior education that was better than most women (and men!) of the time. She loved her time at the Mentelle Academy and considered it her home. She was a natural actress and enjoyed being the center of attention. She also loved learning about politics and was a favorite of frequent guest and neighbor, Senator Henry Clay. Even as a child of thirteen, Mary made it a goal to one day live in the White House, which Senator Clay found amusing.
Mary was smart but also quick tempered and dramatic, going from fits of laughter to the depths of despair in minutes. Modern historians have wondered if this signifies that Mary was bipolar. Many of her friends found her entertaining but often her witty yet cutting opinions were hard on her relationships.
Her father’s fortunes improved as he became the president of a bank, which allowed the family to move into a larger home on Main Street in Lexington (now the Mary Todd Lincoln House) in 1832.
Mary came home on the weekends to play with the ever-growing Todd brood, and she became close with many of her half-sisters, especially little Emilie who was eighteen years younger. The family summered at Crab Orchard Springs, Kentucky, especially when the threat of cholera swept through town. One of Mary’s most impactful childhood memories is a cholera scare when they had to stay inside a sweltering house for days on end with lime spread around the windows. She was very fearful of disease and constantly worried about her loved ones perishing from it.
Courting and Marriage
Mary’s oldest sister, Elizabeth, married a prominent young man, Ninian Edwards, from Illinois in 1832 and moved to the burgeoning capital of Springfield where his father was governor. Her second oldest sister, Frances, soon visited Elizabeth and was married off, so in 1839, an almost twenty-one year old Mary also went visiting Springfield looking for a husband.
Mary was an attractive young woman with dark chestnut hair, a creamy complexion, and arresting blue eyes. While she was short (only 5’2”) and tended to be on the plump side, she was a Southern belle who could out flirt Scarlett O’Hara herself! As one suitor said, she could “make a bishop forget his prayers.” Her dresses were always of the latest fashions, and she enjoyed shopping and attending the many parties in the state’s new capital. She loved to dance, and when a tall lawyer who was friends with her cousin said he had to dance with her in the “worst way,” she obliged, telling him, “Mr. Lincoln, you did dance with me in the worst way!”
Abraham Lincoln had lived in Springfield for two years as a fledgling lawyer and politician. His thin 6’4” frame must have been a strange sight with Mary’s short, stout frame! They courted the winter of 1840, and by summer, they were thought to be engaged. Mary’s sister didn’t approve, thinking Lincoln’s family was beneath theirs, but Mary was adamant – she had found her ticket to the White House. Only Mary could see the potential in the eloquent yet unsophisticated Lincoln.
During the holiday season, Mary’s sister also hosted another young relative whose beauty made every man in Springfield fall in love. Whether this was the reason Abe broke off his engagement is speculation, but there was some reason that he left Mary. She was heartbroken, and he went into a searing depression. His friends had to take away razors for fear he’d take his own life.
Mary visited family in St. Louis and enjoyed flirting with other beaux, including Stephen Douglas. However no one could replace Abe. They reconnected at a wedding in September of 1842, eighteen months after their bitter breakup. After just one month, they were engaged and had a hasty marriage in her sister’s parlor on November 4th (some historians have speculated that he had to marry her to “preserve her honor”). The cakes didn’t even have time to cool before her quick wedding where Abe placed a gold band on her hand that read “Love is eternal.”
Being Mrs. Lincoln
Shepherd, Nicholas H, photographer. Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of Abraham Lincoln. Three-quarter length portrait, seated, facing front. , 1846. [or 1847] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2004664342/.
One of Abe’s worries about marrying Mary was taking her out of her luxurious upbringing to be the wife of a hardscrabble lawyer. Right away, Mary saw how different her life would be when they moved into a tavern where she only had one room in which to spend her days while Abe was at work or traveling the legal circuit. She also became pregnant immediately which added to her unease. The other women at the tavern didn’t like her while her sisters didn’t provide much help either. Mary was on her own, especially given Abe’s travels and tendency for melancholy. She became angry with his absences (both physically and emotionally) but hoped that having a baby would provide her with the love she’d always craved.
Robert Todd Lincoln was born at the Globe Tavern on August 1, 1843. It must have been hard for Mary to keep house in a small room with a squalling baby and absent husband. Her father visited his namesake after his birth and provided the funds to help them move into a small house.
Mary was an economical housekeeper, and even though she had grown up with enslaved workers catering to her needs, she learned to cook and clean. She tried to hire servants but sometimes her tongue got the best of her, sending them packing. The Lincolns constantly worried about money but Mary was determined to make Abe a society man by making sure he was properly dressed and learned good manners.
Their second son, Eddie, was born on March 10, 1846, and was a sweet child. Little Robert was a troublemaker who was “all Todd” and was never the close son of Mary’s dreams. The Lincolns were indulgent parents, and Abe was especially lax about rules and forgetful about his personal responsibilities even losing the baby on a walk!
Mary continually pushed Abe to fulfill her ambitions, and she was elated in October of 1847 when he was elected to Congress. After a wonderful trip to Lexington to see her family, the Lincolns headed to Washington, DC. Not many congressmen brought their families, but Mary was determined to go to the capital city. It wasn’t what she hoped, however, as she was once again stuck in a boarding house with two little children. She got to attend one of President and Sarah Polk’s receptions before leaving to go back to Lexington with the boys.
Abe was soon home as he only served one term in Congress. Thank goodness he was there to deal with the tragedies that would soon befall the family. Mary’s father died of cholera in 1849 leading to a bitter fight over his will. While Mary was in the “depths of despair” over his death, her grandmother Parker died as well. Then just months later, little Eddie succumbed to consumption just short of his fourth birthday. Mary was inconsolable.
The only thing that lifted the gloom was the arrival of William “Willie” Lincoln on December 21, 1850. He was followed closely by Thomas “Tad” Lincoln in April of 1853 (who got his nickname from his head being so big like a tadpole!). Mary endured a hard delivery with Tad, leading to medical issues for the rest of her life.
The next several years were the happiest and most prosperous times in the Lincolns’ marriage. They added on to their home and welcomed other Todd sisters to visit, especially Emilie. Abe was a well-known lawyer and politician whose stature kept rising. Mary was heavily involved in his political life and became his sounding board. She also would keep a grudge against his opponents forever, including one of her closest friends.
Mary was known for her temper but also for kindnesses like nursing a neighbor’s baby. She was devoted to Abe and her children, and ensured Robert got a stellar education which led him to Harvard. Willie was her favorite, a kind, gentle child, and Tad was the spoiled baby who adored his father.
Schell, Frederic B., Artist. Lincoln Family. , 1865. [?] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2019645948/.
Presidency
Brady’S National Photographic Portrait Galleries. Mary Todd Lincoln / From photographic negative in Brady’s National Portrait Gallery. , ca. 1860. [New York: E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway ; between and ca. 1865] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2022631574/.
Abraham Lincoln received the Republican nomination for president in 1860 as the country, and Mary’s family, fractured. When he won, he ran home saying “there is a little short woman there that is more interested in this matter than I am.” It was as much her victory as his with her childhood fantasy coming true.
His election was the pinnacle of Mary’s life. She had chosen her man and proven the naysayers (especially her sisters) wrong. They headed to Washington, DC on a train, taking them through towns along the way where Mary would sometimes appear (if she felt like it). Once they got to Baltimore, however, Abe had to take a separate train as there were threats on his life, which must have been unsettling to Mary. Her greatest triumph was also bringing her greatest fears to fruition.
The Inaugural ball was held in a large tent with 5000 attendees. Mary wore a blue silk gown bedecked with pearls, gold, and diamonds. She dazzled the crowd and stayed dancing well after the president left. It was her night to shine.
As first lady, Mary was the leading hostess of Washington, but the other ladies didn’t see it that way. Her rival was Treasury Secretary Chase’s beautiful daughter, Kate, and all of the Washington women were snobby about Mary’s “western” manners – even though she was more educated and cultured than many of them! Outgoing White House hostess, Harriet Lane, met with Mary, later writing that “Mrs Lincoln is steadily western, loud and unrefined.” Poor Mary could do nothing right.
One thing she prioritized was hiring a dressmaker. Elizabeth Keckly, a former enslaved seamstress who had worked to free herself and her child, quickly became Mary’s dressmaker and only friend. She was literally the one person Mary could trust in Washington.
Mrs. Abraham Lincoln, full-length portrait, standing, facing left, near table. , None. [Photographed between 1860 and 1865?, printed later] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/96525581/.
The White House was in dire need of refurbishment, so Mary’s first order of business was to buy new furniture and entertaining pieces. She went to New York City along with a shady government employee and soon had overspent her appropriation. She even became involved in a scheme with the White House gardener to pad the bills to pay for her purchases. Thus began a long history of overspending and questionable ethics, which hit especially hard as the nation went to war.
Mr. Lincoln was busy seeing the country through its darkest times while Mary tried to forget her Lexington family that chose to fight against her husband. All of her brothers except for the eldest served in the Confederate Army and almost all of her sisters married eventual Confederates. It was a heart-rending scene played out in many homes around the country.
With the wounded being brought to Washington hospitals, Mary often visited the soldiers and read to them or wrote letters for them. These visits rarely made it into the press which loved highlighting her “uncharitableness” and shopping addiction instead.
The president was constantly besieged by visitors begging for a job, for help, for a minute of his time, so the family often escaped to the cottage at the Soldiers’ Home several miles away. It was a brief respite from the trying times. Mary also took the boys to the seaside and on other trips to get away from the heat and stench of wartime Washington.
Mary decided to throw a large ball in early 1862 and spent months planning every detail. Her dress was white satin and had a long train with a low neckline. When Willie came down with an illness before the party, they almost postponed it but decided to push through. She and Mr. Lincoln spent much of the night in Willie’s room where he took a turn for the worse. Willie Lincoln died of typhoid fever on February 20, 1862.
Mary took to her bed for three weeks with grief, coming out only when her older sister came to console her. Even then the press wouldn’t leave her alone. Everything she did or didn’t do was scrutinized. She traveled to get away from the memories of Washington, visiting Robert in Cambridge and shopping once again in New York City. She began entertaining again in early 1863.
Hohenstein, Anton, Artist. Abraham Lincoln’s last reception / Hohenstein. Washington D.C, 1865. Philadelphia: John Smith. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/93503162/.
Death kept coming for her as she learned her Confederate soldier brothers, Sam and Alec, were killed in battle along with her beloved sister, Emilie’s husband. Emilie even came to Washington at the president’s request for a week in December of 1863 but having a Confederate widow in the White House was not a tenable solution.
Mary pushed through her grief as best she could, visiting hospitals 2-3 times a week and sending countless items to the soldiers. She even visited some camps at the Virginia front with the president. She also lobbied to help widows and other women receive help from the government, including jobs at government departments.
Her health had always been marred by severe migraines which only grew worse when she was thrown from the president’s carriage in an accident or possible act of sabotage during the tense time of July 1863. She got an infection from her wound and took a long time to recuperate, all while the president was dealing with Gettysburg and Vicksburg. After she recovered, her mood swings became more frequent and often were much worse than before the accident. The president’s secretaries called her “hellcat” and Mr. Lincoln was always worried about her moods embarrassing him.
All of his worries came to life on a visit to Gen. Grant’s headquarters in 1864 at City Point, Virginia. Mary had already been rude to Julia Grant and became irate when another woman was seen riding with her husband. Her outburst was so embarrassing that she was sent back to Washington alone.
In April of 1865, Mary accompanied the president back to City Point as the war was winding down. She toured the recently captured Confederate capital of Richmond with Tad and Mrs. Keckly just days after Mr. Lincoln had walked its streets. She must have seen Libby Prison where her brother had served as a cruel Confederate guard.
Days later on April 14th, she and the president took a carriage ride, happy that the war seemed to be over. They made plans for the future and talked about traveling to Europe and California. Hours later, Mary was holding her husband’s hand when an assassin fired a bullet into his head. Mary screamed and had to watch as doctors fought to save his life, stumbling with them across the street to the Peterson house where they laid him diagonally on a bed. Mary was so overcome with anguish that Secretary of War Stanton had her removed from the room. She wasn’t allowed to be with him as he died.
Alfred Whital Stern Collection Of Lincolniana Dlc. Assassination of President Lincoln, Ford’s Theatre, Washington. , 1865. [Hartford, Conn.: E. R. & E. C. Kellogg] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2003656453/.
After the White House
Mary never saw Abe again as she didn’t view his body or attend his funeral in the White House. She stayed there weeks after his death until she and Tad moved to Chicago where Robert was beginning his legal career. She had massive amounts of debts to repay for her purchases, and since the president died without a will, it took years for her money to be released. She became involved in schemes to sell her dresses or to blackmail politicians that had benefited from her help in the White House. All of these morally dubious plans failed and gave the press more ammunition against her. Elizabeth Keckly tried to help her but eventually they had a falling out over Ms. Keckly’s memoir. Mary never spoke to her again.
Mary tried to provide a home for Tad but found it difficult in such a dire financial situation. She took him to Europe where they lived in Frankfurt, Germany, and he flourished in a German school. However, the Franco-Prussian War pushed them out of Germany to England where their health suffered. Mary visited Italy trying to recover but eventually she and Tad headed back to America.
Upon arrival in Chicago, Tad’s health deteriorated quickly and he died on July 15, 1871. Mary was distraught as everyone in her life was now dead except for Robert who could barely tolerate his mother. She turned to spiritualists over the years and she became delusional with premonitions and hallucinations. She went on manic buying sprees and took medications that exacerbated her mental issues.
During the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Mary was found wandering incoherently. Along with her manic spending and mental anxiety, Robert was convinced she was a danger to herself. On May 19, 1875, he brought charges to have her committed due to insanity. Mary was shocked when 18 witnesses testified against her and she was found insane. She was taken to the mental institution the next day and spent the next several months there until her sister, Elizabeth, agreed to take her home. She got her rights restored the following year, and she never truly forgave Robert.
She left the United States for Europe, this time alone. She spent years in the small French village of Pau where she lived in exile from her entire family and country. When former president Ulysses S. Grant and Julia visited Pau, they didn’t even know Mary lived there until they left.
With her health deteriorating, Mary came back to America in 1880 going to live with Elizabeth. She died there of a stroke, in the same house where she was married, on July 16, 1882. She had reconciled with Robert, but she never had that close relationship she had always desperately wanted. She died alone and abandoned by almost everyone in her life.
J. Ward & Son, photographer. Mary Lincoln in mourning attire / Joseph Ward, 125 Washington Street, Boston. , None. [Boston: joseph ward, 125 washington street, between 1865 and 1882] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2017659635/.
Legacy
Mary Lincoln’s legacy is still being debated. Ask most Americans what they know about her and they will say that she was crazy or a shrew. Her legacy was tarnished not just by the press but by people like Abe’s law partner whose book spurred rumors that he had never truly loved Mary and had been forced into the marriage. The author and Mary were bitter enemies, so I wonder how much of his writing was influenced by that.
Decades of bad press is hard to overcome, but hopefully recent scholarship by female historians like Catherine Clinton have helped redeem Mary’s legacy and make her a more sympathetic figure. With our knowledge of the science behind mental illness, we can now see how Mary likely had some sort of disorder that would have been helped by modern medicine.
I also think her legacy is held in low regard compared to the outsized legacy of her husband. How could anyone shine in comparison to him? Some historians have noted that Mary is the reason why Lincoln was so great. Her ambition pushed him to the presidency, and their marriage gave him plenty of practice in dealing with difficult people. Lincoln himself could be challenging with his bouts of melancholy and lack of emotional warmth. A friend once said he was “deficient in those little links which make up the great chain of woman’s happiness” – which doesn’t sound like something a woman who craved attention like Mary needed.
Even though raised in the South with slavery, Mary rejected that way of life and encouraged her husband in his emancipation policies. Her best friend was a former enslaved woman, and she had seen her step grandmother had freed her enslaved. While she wasn’t perfect on this topic, she was ahead of many women at that time.
Her family’s legacy is a sad one. Robert had the burden of being his father’s son and while he was involved in politics, he was haunted by his father’s death (along with his proximity to Presidents Garfield and McKinley’s assassinations). Ironically Robert and his aunt Emilie were the ones who made sure the Lincoln legacy was venerated over the years. I think Mary would have been pleased.
My Time with Mary
Mary Lincoln has always been one of my favorite first ladies since her time period is my favorite to study. I find her family endlessly fascinating, almost like John Jakes’ North and South come to life! Her life encapsulates the time period so much – a divided family, horrific grief, financial woes, and national tragedies.
In reading so many books about her this month, I had an overwhelming sense of sadness and anger. Yes, Mary was hard to take at times, but she was also a woman frustrated by the time period’s constraints. She had a savvy political mind but as a woman, she couldn’t express it. She was constantly worried about death (for good reason) and didn’t trust the medical professionals who consistently let her down. No wonder she turned to spiritualism, medicines, and shopping as a way to cope.
I felt for Mary as a mother myself. What she sacrificed for the country was more than any woman could have handled. I’ve always considered her the final casualty of the Civil War and hope modern historians continue to bring a balanced look at her life.
Travels with Mary
There are many,many Lincoln sites around the country, so I am just focusing on the ones important to Mary’s life.
Kentucky
Mary Todd Lincoln House, Lexington
This museum is housed in Mary’s Todd family home and has many artifacts from her life. While she did not live in this house for a long time, it was the house where she and Abe visited before their trip to Washington. It’s a lovely tour! Just down the street at 511 W. Short Street is the marker of Mary’s birthplace and childhood home. You can also see the cemetery where many of her family members are buried.
While in Lexington, also check out Mary’s family church (Second Presbyterian) and Henry Clay’s Ashland estate where Mary rode her pony up the stairs to insist Mr. Clay inspect it. This is also where Mary is said to have told Mr. Clay that she wanted to live in the White House. You can also see a historical marker where Mary’s boarding school was located.
Buena Vista (marker only), Frankfort
This is the home of her step-mother’s family in which Mary spent many summers. Betsey was forced to move here after Robert Todd’s will was contested. The house is gone and only a marker remains.
Lincoln Heritage Trail, Kentucky
While not devoted to just Mary, this trail takes you to important sites in Lincoln’s time in the state. It includes the Lincoln Birthplace (see my review) and museum in Hodgenville (just an hour from Mary’s birthplace in Lexington).
Illinois – the Land of Lincoln
Lincoln sites, Springfield
Visit many sites important in Mary’s history! This is high on my wish list to see!
- Lincoln home – the little cottage that Mary made into a beautiful home. The site is kept as it appeared during Lincoln’s time.
- Lincoln Presidential Museum – lots of artifacts including many of her dresses
- Lincoln tomb – the final resting place for Mary, Abraham and three of their sons (Robert is buried at Arlington Cemetery)
- Edwards Place – built by Mary’s nephew, this home has her and Lincoln’s courting couch (This is not Elizabeth Edwards’ home where the Lincolns married and Mary died. It was torn down in the early 20th century but there is a recreation at the Lincoln Home NHS.)
- First Presbyterian Church – has the Lincoln pew but not the original building
- Historical makers of the Globe Tavern (their first home)
Lincoln Heritage Museum, Lincoln
This museum that is part of Lincoln College just opened a new exhibit all about Mary!
Chicago
None of Mary’s homes or hotels in Chicago are still standing but this is a great article about them. Also be sure to visit the Chicago History Museum where there is an exhibit about Lincoln’s Chicago.
Batavia Institute, Batavia
The mental institution where Mary was kept is now an apartment building!
Washington, DC
This city has many locations that were pivotal in Mary’s life.
My favorite hidden gem off the National Mall, you can tour the home where Mary escaped the Washington heat and felt most at peace. It’s also where President Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation.
You can see the box where Mary was witness to her husband’s assassination as well as visit the Peterson house where he died. I can just imagine Mary sobbing in the parlor.
While this museum sometimes has Mary’s portrait displayed, it’s also the former Patent building that housed Lincoln’s inaugural ball where she danced all night! It also served as a large Union hospital during the war.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
This museum has several of Mary’s items on display including one of her dresses made by Ms. Keckly and worn during the 1861-2 winter social season. They also have her china that caused a scandal along with several other serving pieces.
Tennessee
Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum, Harrogate
Part of the campus of Lincoln Memorial University, this museum claims to have the world’s largest private collections of Lincoln artifacts!
Vermont
The Equinox Resort, Manchester Village
Visit one of Mary’s favorite retreats (and see the nearby Robert Todd Lincoln home at Hildene).
Virginia
Mary visited many of the Union Army headquarters including City Point, Point of Rocks, Centre Hill, and Aquia. She also toured Richmond just after the Union victory.
To Learn More
Books to Read:
There are over 16,000 books written about Abraham Lincoln, so I have highlighted the few that I’ve read about Mary. She is the most written about first lady!
Links are Amazon affiliate links. Be sure to see my Bookshop.org list for all of the books related to my Booking It Through History: First Ladies project.
Nonfiction:
Mrs. Lincoln: A Life by Catherine Clinton – balanced and fair biography. Highly recommend!
Mary Todd Lincoln: A Biography by Jean H. Baker
An American Marriage: The Untold Story of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd by Michael Burlingame – an unsympathetic look at Mary’s hard life and how it affected her marriage. It uses primary sources but none are actually from Abraham and Mary themselves so I find it hard to take.
House of Abraham: Lincoln and the Todds, a Family Divided by War by Stephen Berry – a detailed examination of Mary’s family, the Todds, and their decline into mental instability and Confederate work
Mrs. Lincoln and Mrs. Keckly: The Remarkable Story of the Friendship Between a First Lady and a Former Slave by Jennifer Fleischner – I love this story of friendship and wish it had ended differently.
Fiction:
Best novels about her entire life:
Mary, Mrs. A. Lincoln by Janis Cooke Newman
The Emancipator’s Wife by Barbara Hambly
Best novels about her relationships:
Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker, Mrs. Lincoln’s Rival, and Mrs. Lincoln’s Sisters by Jennifer Chiaverini
The First Lady and the Rebel by Susan Higginbotham
The House of Lincoln by Nancy Horan
Podcasts
History Unplugged – Bringing Abraham and Mary Todd to Life in Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln”—Historical Consultant Catherine Clinton and How the Broken Marriage of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln Saved the Civil War
TV Shows/Movies
Mary has been part of many TV shows and movies over the years. Here are just a few.
C-SPAN First Ladies: Influence and Image
Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln movie
The History Channel’s Abraham Lincoln documentary
PBS’ Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided
Websites
White House Historical Association
- Ornament: The 1990 Lincoln portrait ornament is shaped like a Civil War-era ambrotype frame which opens like a locket. Inside it reads “The union now and forever.”
Mary Todd Lincoln house biography
Mary Lincoln is someone well-known in history but mostly for negative reasons. I am glad historians are starting to make the case against the “Crazy Mary” theories and are focusing on the real woman behind the madness. She led a sad life and should be remembered for her positive attributes as well.
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