Where is the Original Gettysburg Address Kept Today?

The Gettysburg Address, one of the most celebrated speeches in American history, retains its significant place in the annals of U.S. history. This pivotal address was delivered by Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, during the American Civil War. The original handwritten copies of the address are preserved in several locations, each with its own story and historical significance.

The Manuscript Copies of the Gettysburg Address

The Gettysburg Address has left an enduring legacy, with five known manuscript copies existing today. These copies serve as tangible links to the past, each representing different stages of the speech's creation and distribution.

Two Early Copies at the Library of Congress

The most prominent of these manuscript copies are kept at the Library of Congress. Two of the five known copies were personally created by President Lincoln and given to his two private secretaries, John Nicolay and John Hay. These two copies, being the earliest versions, hold high historical value. They not only provide insight into Lincoln's original handwriting but also underscore the importance of the speech in the context of the Civil War era.

Copy for Edward Everett

A third copy, requested by Edward Everett, was sent to the Illinois State Historical Library in Springfield, Illinois. This particular copy was acquired from the New York Sanitary Fair and forever ingrained in Lincoln's legacy. The Everett copy has a unique history as it initially belonged to private collectors until it was legally donated to the Illinois library.

The Bancroft Copy at Cornell University

The fourth copy was written for historian George Bancroft and was intended for lithographic reproduction in a volume meant to be sold at the 1864 Baltimore Sanitary Fair. This copy, now part of the Cornell University library collection, is special due to its double-sided writing. Given the need for single-sided writing for the lithographic process, Lincoln was asked to rewrite the address and send it to Bancroft’s stepson, Alexander Bliss. Consequently, this copy is now housed in the White House, specifically in the Lincoln Bedroom, which was actually once Lincoln's office.

The Bliss Copy at the White House

The fifth and final copy is known as the Bliss copy, named after Alexander Bliss, Bancroft’s stepson. This manuscript copy not only has historical importance but is also displayed prominently in the White House. The Bliss copy provides an interesting historical link between the Lincoln Bedroom and the broader context of Lincoln's presidency during a tumultuous period in American history.

Preserving History at the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress, with its rich collection of historical documents and manuscripts, holds two of the five known copies of the Gettysburg Address. President Lincoln's private secretaries, John Nicolay and John Hay, received these copies, making them invaluable artifacts. The Library of Congress continues to play a critical role in preserving and showcasing these historical documents, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from the Gettysburg Address.

Conclusion

The original copies of the Gettysburg Address are kept in various prestigious locations, each contributing to the overall significance and accessibility of this historical speech. Whether at the Library of Congress, the Lincoln Bedroom, Illinois State Historical Library, Cornell University, or the White House, these copies serve as a testament to Lincoln's enduring influence on American history.