03-04-2025 - On This Day in Insane History

On March 4, 1861, Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated as the 16th President of the United States, delivering his inaugural address amid unprecedented national tension. The peculiar twist? He deliberately wore a custom-made coat and vest that concealed a small, loaded pistol—a precautionary measure reflecting the volatile political climate preceding the Civil War.

As Southern states had already seceded and Washington D.C. was essentially an armed camp, Lincoln's personal security was paramount. His tailored outfit, crafted by Brooks Brothers, not only presented a dignified presidential appearance but also provided a hidden means of self-defense. The pistol, a small caliber derringer, was strategically positioned near his right hip, accessible yet discreetly concealed.

This sartorial security measure was no mere paranoia. Just weeks earlier, an assassination plot against Lincoln in Baltimore had been narrowly thwarted, heightening concerns about his safety. His inaugural route was heavily guarded, and sharpshooters were positioned along the procession path.

The irony of a president preparing for potential violence while simultaneously delivering a conciliatory speech about preserving the Union was not lost on contemporary observers. Lincoln's address sought to reassure the South, emphasizing his lack of intent to interfere with slavery where it already existed, yet the pistol tucked inside his vest told a different story of preparedness and potential conflict.