In 1861, Lincoln Felt the Impact of Independence Hall

By David J. Kent

Washington, DC

Nov. 10, 2025

Abraham Lincoln made his way to Washington, D.C. by a roundabout rail route in February 1861. Among his many stops was the city of Philadelphia, where on George Washington’s birthday he raised the American flag at Independence Hall. Lincoln acknowledged the import of the spot where the Declaration of Independence was signed:

“I am filled with deep emotion at finding myself standing here in the place where were collected together the wisdom, the patriotism, the devotion to principle, from which sprang the institutions under which we live.”

He also understood the import of the task that had fallen to him as the president-elect. Seven southern states had seceded from the Union, violating the intent of the Declaration and the Constitution that implemented its guiding principle. Lincoln embraced the Declaration and its aspirational words that “all men are created equal” and endowed with unalienable rights, including “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Lincoln knew that the Declaration was more than “the mere matter of the separation of the colonies from the mother land.” It was that the Declaration’s ideal of “giving liberty not alone to the people of this country, but hope to the world for all future time.” He added, “It was that which gave promise that in due time the weights should be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have an equal chance. This is the sentiment embodied in that Declaration of Independence.”

At the time of the Declaration, its ideal that “all men are created equal” was still an aspiration. With a large percentage of the population held in bound servitude against their will, Lincoln understood what the Founders had understood: that much work had to be done to achieve a more perfect Union. It would pass to Lincoln to finally remove the stain of slavery from our midst.

But there is a deeper, darker, knowledge that influenced Lincoln’s words that day in Philadelphia. Not only had several states split the Union already, but there was a plot to kill Lincoln even before he had a chance to be inaugurated in as president, never mind take any action the South found objectionable. An assassination plot had been uncovered. Southern sympathizers in Baltimore planned to murder Lincoln as he passed through the city on his way to Washington. In Philadelphia, Lincoln again pointed to the Declaration as the sustaining guidance to the nation and to him.

“Now, my friends, can this country be saved upon that basis [all men having an equal chance]? If it can, I will consider myself one of the happiest men in the world if I can help to save it. If it can’t be saved upon that principle, it will be truly awful. But, if this country cannot be saved without giving up that principle—I was about to say I would rather be assassinated on this spot than to surrender it.”

Now, in my view of the present aspect of affairs, there is no need of bloodshed and war. There is no necessity for it. I am not in favor of such a course, and I may say in advance, there will be no blood shed unless it be forced upon the Government. The Government will not use force unless force is used against it.” (Prolonged applause and cries of “That’s the proper sentiment.”)

Lincoln's words reminded people of his time, and of ours, that we the people, must stand for the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence and apply the Constitution to all Americans.

Photo from the Library of Congress

[This post originally appeared on David J. Kent]