The somber flag draping Abraham Lincoln’s coffin heads for an auction, while New York City moves to rejuvenate its infrastructure with a $5 billion proposal.
At a Glance
- Abraham Lincoln’s coffin flag heads to auction
- Discovered in a Florida museum behind a bookshelf
- New York City introduces a $5 billion urban development plan
- Development focuses on affordable housing and infrastructure
The Lincoln Coffin Flag
Rhonda Hiser discovered an 1865 American presentation flag behind a bookshelf at the Museum of Southern History in Florida. The flag, known as the “Applegate Flag,” is believed to have been draped over President Abraham Lincoln’s coffin during his funeral train journey to Springfield, Illinois. The flag was dated April 14, 1865, the day Lincoln was shot. “I believe it is one of the most important pieces of American history discovered in the 21st century,” said Steve Levine.
The flag’s journey included significant stops, including a notable procession in New York City, where it was displayed at City Hall. The flag was donated to the museum in 1996 by Barnswell Daley and his wife. Now, it heads to auction on November 22, with the proceeds aimed at funding a new location for the closed museum due to contamination issues.
If you’re in the market for some rare presidential memorabilia, and you’ve got deep pockets, then the Guernsey's Auction in New York is for you.
The auction later this month includes presidential artifacts, some never before seen in public.
"Certainly amongst the marquee items… pic.twitter.com/VQzl5Ifqs8
— PBS News (@NewsHour) November 10, 2024
New York City’s Urban Development Proposal
New York City’s proposed $5 billion urban development plan promises to inject substantial investment into affordable housing and needed infrastructure improvements. This initiative is crucial for meeting contemporary urban challenges while respecting the city’s rich historical past. It seeks to address the pressing issues facing the city, including housing shortages and aging infrastructure.
The juxtaposition of preserving history through the auctioning of Lincoln’s coffin flag and building the city’s future highlights the balance between maintaining heritage and fulfilling modern needs. This development plan forecasts a new era of urban modernization amid ongoing political challenges and significant financial investments.
President Lincoln flag is being auction off! 🙄 The one that as draped over his casket. pic.twitter.com/hFaoxQk38A
— Amanda Bowman (@AmandaB78181992) November 13, 2024
Conclusion
With the auction of Lincoln’s coffin flag, history enthusiasts may acquire a piece of American legacy, acknowledging the past’s imprint on the present. Meanwhile, New York City navigates the complexities of urban revitalization endeavoring to meet its population’s needs. These twin stories of historical preservation and urban progression are parallel narratives echoing through the streets of Philadelphia and the avenues of New York.
The upcoming months will reveal how these developments unfold, reflecting on the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln and the promise of a revitalized future for New York City.
Sources:
- https://www.friendsofthelincolncollection.org/lincoln-lore/lincoln-the-league/
- https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2024/09/27/sneed-sunday-lincoln-funeral-flag-florida-springfield-artifact-auction
- https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/22/nyregion/flag-lincoln-coffin-auction.html
- https://dnyuz.com/2024/11/22/the-flag-that-covered-lincolns-coffin-goes-up-for-auction/
