A Rare Photograph of Abraham Lincoln Is Just as Incredible Now as It Was in 1858

• A rare photograph of Abraham Lincoln was recently donated to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

• Lincoln had gifted the recently-taken ambrotype to a wounded supporter during a visit to Pittsfield, Illinois, in 1858

• The image captures Lincoln at the time of his famous debates against Stephen A. Douglas

Abraham Lincoln holds a place of esteem within this country and arguably throughout the world that few men, and even fewer presidents, ever occupy. After all, you can't go down to Disney World and watch an animatronic Martin Van Buren give a speech for 15 minutes (and they've sternly told us to please stop asking for one).

Lincoln's reputation goes beyond his titanic achievements during his presidency, reaching back to his earliest days, encompassing the entire content of his character. He's a man remembered for his eloquence, his intellect, his prescience, and his compassion. He was also a man who, for some, the potential for greatness was evident even when his political ambitions seemed snuffed out.

A rare photograph of the future president, a gift from Lincoln passed down through the generations, was recently acquired by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, as reported by the Associated Press. The story behind that photograph is a fascinating portrait of the man in the picture and the times he lived in.

Most who have even a passing familiarity with the history of President Lincoln are aware of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates, even if many wrongly assume it was part of a successful political campaign for Lincoln rather than a failed Senate run. But fewer know about his stop in Pittsfield, Illinois, amidst those seven debates. After having verbally sparred with Douglas four times, mainly on slavery, Lincoln arrived in Pittsfield on Sept. 30, 1858, ahead of an Oct. 1 speech.

While Lincoln rested up for his speech, Lincoln supporters Robert Scanland and Charles Lame tested an unloaded cannon they intended to fire during the rally, as was customary then. However, Scanland's torch inadvertently lit the canon early during their second test. The resultant explosion severely burned Lame's face, and launching the ramrod Lame had placed inside tore a severe wound into his arm.

On Oct. 1, as scheduled, Lincoln delivered a two-hour address to the people of Pittsfield and consented to be photographed in ambrotype (a cheaper daguerreotype). Lincoln would give one copy of that ambrotype to Daniel Gilmer, the local lawyer who had persuaded Lincoln to sit for the portrait. That copy is now within the Library of Congress, reportedly severely worn down from poor attempts to restore it.

But Lincoln had a second copy of the image. Having heard of the injuries Lame had suffered from the cannon, Lincoln attempted to visit the injured man. However, Lame's doctors refused, as Lame's situation was too dire (his doctors chose not to amputate the severely injured arm). So Lincoln decided instead to leave the photograph as a gift to Lame.

Lame would miraculously make a recovery from his injuries. What's more, he would outlive the President whose portrait he carried by three decades, passing away at the age of 76 in 1897 (meaning Lame lived through as many as three presidential assassinations. Which is, it's fair to say, far too many).

The ambrotype was passed down through the generations after his passing, most recently to descendant Mary Davidson. When she passed away in August 2022, her children decided the image should be donated to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

You Might Also Like

• The Paris Hilton Housewares Collection Brings ‘That’s Hot’ Energy to Your Kitchen

• 16 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones Perfect for Rocking Out in Quiet Bliss

• Beyoncé Uses This $26 Amazon Product for Her Glossy Blonde Hair