The personal life of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, remains a subject of speculation, particularly regarding his sexuality. Historians have debated his close relationships with men such as Joshua Speed and Captain David Derickson, leading to numerous theories about his sexual orientation. This ongoing interest was highlighted recently through the Broadway play “Oh, Mary!” which portrays Lincoln as a man concealing his true self while his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, seeks recognition and fame.
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In a recent visit to President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington, D.C., an important location where Lincoln spent a significant amount of time during his presidency, Tommy McFly from NBC Washington explored these historical discussions with Callie Hawkins, the CEO and President of the cottage, and Joan Cummins, President of the Lincoln Cottage Association. Both historians confirmed that questions about Lincoln’s sexuality often arise among visitors, prompting thoughtful dialogue about historical interpretation.
Cummins noted, “I try to be straightforward about what we know or don’t know,” recognising that inquiries into Lincoln’s life might hold personal significance for some visitors. This current interest in Lincoln’s intimate relationships has been fuelled by stronger cultural conversations around LGBTQ+ identities and historical figures.
A focal point in the discussion is Lincoln’s relationship with Joshua Speed, a store owner with whom he shared a deep bond while living in Springfield, Illinois. The two men cohabitated for four years, with Speed reportedly supporting Lincoln during depressive episodes by removing razors from their shared room. Their close companionship has led to speculation regarding the nature of their relationship, especially as accounts suggest they shared a bed.
Hawkins expressed confidence in their cohabitation, stating, “We know for a fact they were sharing a bed.” The emotional weight of their correspondence also suggests a strong connection; Lincoln’s letters to Speed indicate he felt a profound sense of attachment. In one letter, he admitted to feeling anxious and agitated after not hearing from Speed for a considerable time.
The relationship between Lincoln and Speed is further underscored by Lincoln’s emotional turmoil following Speed’s return to Kentucky, where he helped care for his ailing mother. This transition was said to plunge Lincoln into a severe depressive state, leading him to proclaim to his law partner, “I’m now the most miserable man living.” Such declarations highlight the intensity of their bond and fuel ongoing curiosity about Lincoln’s emotional life and possible romantic inclinations.
The notion of Lincoln’s potential same-sex relationships extended to his time in the White House, where he reportedly shared a close relationship with Captain David Derickson, his personal bodyguard. While records indicate a strong camaraderie, the nature of this relationship has also given rise to speculation, with Hawkins noting that there were local rumours associating Derickson with Lincoln during his presidency.
Despite the persistent allure of these stories, Hawkins and Cummins advocate for an open-minded approach that does not shy away from exploring Lincoln’s diverse and complex life. “For us here at the cottage, it’s not a threat to talk about those kinds of things,” said Hawkins. She emphasised the importance of continued inquiry into historical figures, asserting that even with a plethora of literature about Lincoln, there remains much that can be uncovered.
This exploration of presidential relationships isn’t confined solely to Lincoln. Historians have also scrutinised the personal life of James Buchanan, Lincoln’s predecessor, who, notably, is the only U.S. president to have served without a wife. Buchanan’s close friendship with William Rufus DeVane King led to similar speculations about his sexual orientation, with some historians suggesting he may have been homosexual. Rivals reportedly mocked the pair, alluding to their closeness in a manner that indicates a potential public perception of a romantic bond.
As society continues to engage with historical narratives through a contemporary lens, the discussions surrounding figures like Lincoln and Buchanan reveal not only the complexities of their lives but also the broader societal attitudes towards masculinity and sexuality in their time. The interplay of historical fact and rumour surrounding such influential figures continues to ignite interest, proving that there is always more to discover about America’s past.