‘Looking for Lincoln’ program focuses on Effie Afton case

The next Looking for Lincoln Conversation will revisit one of his most famous legal cases, with a tie to the Quad Cities.

In the Hurd v. Rock Island Bridge Co. (aka the Effie Afton Case), a boat/bridge collision brought the fight of established river interests of St. Louis versus the growing railroad interests of Chicago. The case discussions usually focus on Lincoln’s support of the railroad and new technologies, but recent research shows that might not be accurate. John Lupton and Dr. Samuel Wheeler from the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission will discuss what happened when the Effie Afton riverboat crashed into the first railroad bridge to cross the Mississippi River at Rock Island.

The public can watch and participate in this online program on Wednesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. on the Looking for Lincoln YouTube and Facebook video channels. Viewers can submit questions for the host to answer at the end of the presentation. The program will be recorded and available on the Looking for Lincoln Facebook and YouTube video channels. Reservations are not required, and the event is free.

“We are proud to host this series of Looking for Lincoln conversations,” said Sarah Watson, Executive Director of Looking for Lincoln. “These live, digital programs cover a range of topics that depict the life and times in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. Few individuals have so profoundly influenced American history as did Abraham Lincoln. Millions around the world are inspired by the story of Lincoln’s rise from humble beginnings to President of the United States, his qualities of integrity and courage and his decisive leadership traits that carried a fragile nation through one of its most trying periods.”

For more information about the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition and the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, click here.

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