52. Abraham Lincoln’s Journey to the Emancipation Proclamation

Abraham Lincoln’s Journey to the Emancipation Proclamation

Tour description:

The April 1862 DC Emancipation Bill paid compensation to slave holders for taking their property. In July President Lincoln asked Congress to enact a national program of compensated emancipation. See his detailed proposal, written in the President’s own hand, during a tour of Lincoln artifacts in the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, where he worshipped regularly during his presidency. Hear about how, with the private counsel of church pastor Phineas Gurley, Lincoln decided to issue the January 1, 1863, Emancipation Proclamation with no offer of compensation. The tour begins outdoors at the hitching post where Lincoln tied his carriage when he entered the church. The rest of the tour is indoors, ending with an easy climb into the bell tower to view the clockworks and chimes that are the only physical memorial to President Lincoln ever created and paid for by his family.

Tour Guide: Len Shabman; Chairperson, history program of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church

Ward: 2

TOUR INFORMATION:

Tour Starting Location:

New York Avenue Presbyterian Church

1313 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005

Meet at the base of the tall stairs leading to the church entrance

· Closest Metro or Bus Line: Metro Center (or McPherson Square)

· Tour Ending Location: 1313 New York Avenue NW

· Tour Length: 1 hour

· Tour Distance: 0 miles

· Fitness Level: Low Level (slow walking, flat terrain)

· Audio Enhancer: No

· ASL: No

· Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

· Stroller Accessible: Yes

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1313 New York Avenue Northwest (Meet at the base of the tall stairs leading to the church entrance), Washington, United States