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History Channel: Stealing Lincoln’s Body
By Samuel P. Wheeler | February 16, 2009
I spent the last several days talking at great length about the Lincoln legacy. Over the last 144 years, politicians and political parties, as well as special interest groups and advertising agencies, have used Lincoln for their own benefit. However, did you know that a group of desperate criminals turned to Lincoln for help in 1876?
Though it sounds surreal, these thugs planned on breaking into the Lincoln tomb in Springfield, stealing Lincoln’s body, and holding it for ransom. If successful, they would demand $200,000 from the state of Illinois, as well as the release of a counterfeitter from prison.
The story only gets stranger from there. If you are curious how it turns out, you have two options to learn more.
Tune into the History Channel this evening, Monday, Feb. 16, 8pm Central, for a special program called “Stealing Lincoln’s Body.” I’ve seen the previews and they look fantastic.
If you are unable to see the program or if you simply want to read more about this bizarre episode in the American past, I suggest you check out Thomas J. Craughwell’s recent book on the subject:
Topics: Assassination, DVD, Hollywood, Legacy, Pop Culture, Upcoming Events | No Comments »