We’ve all seen portraits of Lincoln but did you ever wonder what that infamous black coat, vest and trousers were made out of? Why alpaca of course! How do we know? Lincoln was the first president to have a paparazzi following. Letters, articles, editorials were all written about him and what type of man he was and of course what style he wore. Mention of his coat has been found in numerous readings and here are just a few:
“Lincoln became one of the first Republicans. The oratory of this strange, serious man seemed to inspire the hopes of the people. They looked upon him in bewilderment as they saw this giant of the woods, in a black alpaca coat, with his sleeves rolled up, hammering away at the institution which he believed to be unjust.”
“Old ABE” With Alpaca Coat and Grip-Sack”
“While we were sitting in the hotel office after supper, Mr. Lincoln entered, carrying an old carpet-bag in his hand, and wearing a weather-beaten silk hat – too large, apparently, for his head, – a long, loosely fitting frock-coat, of black alpaca, and vest and trousers of the same material.”
“Lincoln and the Tools of War”
“While Robert went in to invite Stanton along, Lincoln entertained the others with some of his stories. Noticing a torn pocket in his black alpaca coat, he mended it with a pin taken from his waste coat. “It seems to me,” he said smiling, “that this does not look quite right for the Chief Magistrate of this mighty Republic.”
On your next visit to our Nation’s Capital, make sure to stop by the Lincoln Memorial and admire Lincoln and his alpaca coat.
