Changes in the White House Colonel of Zouaves, Elmer Ellsworth was killed while taking down a Confederate flag in Alexandria, Virginia. Ellsworth was a Chicagoan who was a close friend of President Lincoln’s family and accompanied him on his pre-inaugural trip to Washington. He moved into the White House and played regularly with the Lincoln… […]

Upstairs at the White House The second floor of the White House included the family quarters of the White House – as well as the offices and bedroom of Mr. Lincoln’s two principal aides. The office Mr. Lincoln called “the shop” was also the government’s crisis center. A crisis like the Civil War generates problems […]

Downstairs at The White House Most visitors to the White House never got beyond the first floor. Visitors to the Lincolns’ receptions on Tuesday evenings and Saturday afternoons were primarily restricted to the central hall, the Blue Room, and the East Room. It was the first floor as well that was the site of official […]

Non Public Areas Shortly after the Civil War broke out, one of the pumps in the basement of the White House that supplied water to the upper levels broke down. No one knew how to fix it so the President got in his carriage and hunted down a Union officer who was supposed to be […]

The White House Grounds & Entrance The north side of the White House was the official and ceremonial entrance. Outside, people gathered for weekly levees, inaugural receptions, an occasional presidential “serenade” and the review of troops. July 4, 1861 was celebrated by a grand review of troops by President Lincoln, General Winfield Scott and other… […]

Emilie (Emily) Todd Helm Half-sister of Mary Todd Lincoln, Emilie (Emily) Todd Helm first came to the White House in December 1863, accompanied by her daughter Katherine. In March 1861, President Lincoln had offered her husband, Ben Hardin Helm, the job of army paymaster, which he declined. He instead became a confederate… Abraham Lincoln’s White […]

Elizabeth Todd Grimsley “Cousin Lizzie,” Mary Todd Lincoln’s cousin, came to the White House with the Lincolns and described her temporary home as being “in a perfect state of readiness for the incomers—A competent chef, with efficient butler and waiters.” Mary Todd Lincoln was fond her cousin: “She is a noble, good woman and has…” […]

John Nicolay (1832-1901) Private Secretary to President Lincoln, John Nicolay subsequently co-authored Abraham Lincoln: A History with John Hay. He wrote The Outbreak of Rebellion on his own. Nicolay was a former journalist with the Pike County Sucker, Pittsfield Free Press, and a clerk to the Illinois Secretary of State… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

John Hay (1838-1905) John Hay, the Assistant Private Secretary to Abraham Lincoln, co-authored the 10-volume Abraham Lincoln: A History. He was clerking his uncle’s law office in Springfield in 1859-60 when he came to know President-elect Lincoln. John G. Nicolay, Mr. Lincoln’s secretary, insisted that Hay accompany them… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

Elizabeth Todd Edwards Like many of Mary Lincoln’s relatives, Elizabeth Edwards came to Washington for the First Inauguration in March 1861. She stayed at the White House along with her daughters, Julia Baker and Elizabeth Edwards and two half-sisters. Unlike cousin Elizabeth Grimsley, however, Mrs. Edwards soon returned to… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >