There are times in life when we venture far and encounter some people that are most noteworthy. We visit lands unknown and walk in the footsteps of famous men and women. We gaze upon historic battlefields and hold items within our very own hands that were also held by notables from the past. We visit buildings where words were spoken and echoed to this very day, not mere words but words that held so much meaning as we support the good thoughts, we all hold within. These are moments that we remember and we speak about, especially when the opportunity presents itself in the form of children and grandchildren. We simply pass our thoughts, knowledge and experience to the next generation as a record of what once was. Some call this lore. Others perhaps refer to these stories as legends. I like to think of these kind words simply as our history.
Our little town of Concord has indeed seen its fair share of very historic events – too numerous to mention with today’s edition of Vintage Views. There have been very difficult times, stories of success and survival, an abundance of happiness and some sadness too. Such is life, with each day bringing more experiences to all, experiences that we will tell the future generations about with many facts presented, perhaps some embellishment too.
Today I travel back in time to our beloved Main Street here in Concord, N.H. A favorite gathering place since our town was originally established. A place we travel to on many personal quests, seeking the bountiful goods of the shopkeepers, a fine meal or perhaps a glass of spirits when the occasion presents itself. Our ancestors would frequent the Main Street of Concord most evenings to simply engage in socializing, a gathering where time would be spent catching up on the news with a touch of gossip for those inclined. When one was in search of entertainment there was always an event at the White Opera House or perhaps a politician or celebrity giving a speech on the front lawn of the New Hampshire State House on a warm summer evening. You simply never knew what might happen down on Main Street. Many memorable events are recalled while some events and peculiar incidents have been lost to the years.
It is a little-known fact that we hosted two visitors to our Main Street during the mid-1800s. It was a most turbulent time in history and the abolitionist movement was alive and very involved. The country was in turmoil and the subject of slavery was discussed time and again, the north desired to preserve the Union while the south was traveling down the road towards succession.
When President Pierce appointed his cabinet, he was selective and disciplined, choosing people that supported his objectives with confidence and knowledge. We find that on Aug. 29, 1853, the United States Secretary of War visited Concord and lodged at the Eagle Hotel. He brought Professor Alexander Bache, of the coast survey, along with him to visit and discuss the new administration. The newly appointed Secretary of War spent his mornings dining at our very own Phenix Hotel on Main Street. Professor Bache would join the Secretary to dine and then walked Main Street as they enjoyed a fine cigar and the hospitality of our ancestors. They felt welcomed and embraced the visit considering it a successful venture. A carriage ride was enjoyed as the local streets were traversed and the farms viewed by the Secretary and the Professor followed by a gathering at the Eagle Hotel where the good citizens gathered and spoke with the Secretary of War in person. Upon concluding the visit to Concord, the entourage traveled to the Lake’s Region of New Hampshire and the White Mountains on a brief tour.
A few days prior to the March Presidential election of 1860 a tall gentleman traveled to Concord and spoke his masterpiece of political oratory and the people that gathered and listened felt his speech to be a revelation. This traveling politician only spent about five hours in Concord before departing and entering the pages of every history book.
The Secretary of War that spoke to the people of Concord on Main Street in 1853 was Jefferson Davis, the man that would become the President of the Confederacy. The politician that spoke on the very same spot several years later in 1860 was the future United States President Abraham Lincoln.
Two people on Main Street in Concord, N.H., speaking to our ancestors within seven years of each other. The Civil War erupted while our good citizens joined the ranks of the army, soldiers traveling off to war. Many of the soldiers never returned to Concord. We never witnessed Jefferson Davis or Abraham Lincoln gracing our Main Street again. These events did occur at the Phenix and Eagle hotels and have been lost to the years.
Yes indeed, there are times in life when we venture far and encounter some people that are most noteworthy.
Vintage Views is a local history column that explores Concord and its surrounding towns. It runs every week in the Sunday Your Life section. The author is a historian and not a member of the Monitor’s staff.