Background Abraham Lincoln (Flannery)

most of residents of washington, d.c. shocked , horrified assassination of republican president abraham lincoln on april 14, 1865. because of geographical location, city suspected of being sympathetic confederacy during civil war. since lincoln killed in washington, of residents worried republican congressional leaders seek revenge on city. thirteen days after lincoln died, in attempt show loyalty, city , business leaders decided erect memorial honoring slain president. first lincoln monument commissioned after death, not first 1 built. in 1866, plaster statue (later replaced metal one) of lincoln erected in san francisco. destroyed during firestorm followed 1906 earthquake.

the total cost of memorial $25,000. washingtonians responsible of donations remaining funds raised lincoln monument association. largest donation came john t. ford, manager of ford s theatre @ time of lincoln s assassination. held benefit performance @ theater in baltimore, raising $1,800. although several designs submitted, monument s planning committee unanimously chose model lot flannery (1836–1922), local irish-american artist, calling spirited , excellent likeness. flannery had known lincoln , @ ford s theatre night of assassination. statue statue of lincoln created knew him. in addition lincoln sculpture, flannery s notable works include arsenal monument @ congressional cemetery , sculpture of president chester arthur on display @ smithsonian american art museum. frank g. pierson chosen monument s architect.