Flashback to November 8

American History

1835

Ann Rutledge said to be Lincoln’s true love, dies in Illinois at age 22.

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The pivotal event that sent shockwaves through the quiet town of New Salem, Illinois, was the untimely death of Ann Rutledge on August 25, 1835. The tragic loss of this mere 22-year-old woman made headlines not only because of the rampant typhoid fever that claimed her life but also due to the belief that she held the heart of none other than Abraham Lincoln. It has been frequently suggested throughout history that Rutledge was indeed Lincoln’s true love, a speculation that adds an intriguing depth to his well-documented life.

The life of Ann Rutledge, while it was heartbreakingly brief, was filled with beauty and the unassuming grandeur of frontier life. Her name consistently emerges in historical debates, with scholars and aficionados entranced by the magnetic pull of her identity and her alleged romantic association with Lincoln.

Born in Kentucky, Ann’s family relocated to Illinois when she was a child. It was here in New Salem where her path eventually crossed with the future president of the United States. The relationship between Rutledge and Lincoln has intrigued many, with the consensus being that her charisma, intelligence, and kind nature easily found a place in Lincoln’s heart.

Abraham Lincoln, at that time, was not the man recognized by history. He was a young man finding his way in the world, working varied jobs as a postmaster, a surveyor, and even a shopkeeper. His life transformed when he met Ann Rutledge. Folklore, often supported by statements from Lincoln’s contemporaries, suggests that their bond grew from a casual friendship to a romantic alliance over time.

Ann’s demise from typhoid fever left an indelible mark on Lincoln’s psyche. Historians view this period as a significant turning point in his life that potentially shaped many of his future decisions. He was profoundly affected by the loss, leading him to isolate himself and resulting in a deep depression substantiated by those close to him at that time.

Modern scholars continue to investigate the depth of their relationship, which has become an integral part of Lincoln’s mystique. The evidence of a love so deep yet so tragically short-lived has been weaved into several literary works, movies, and theatrical performances. Ann Rutledge’s stature in Lincoln mythology has continued to be an enduring topic of interest.

There is no definitive proof of a formal betrothal between Lincoln and Rutledge, but several first-hand accounts suggest an understanding between the pair which was widely recognized within their community. Although the authenticity of Lincoln’s love for Rutledge has been challenged over time, many Lincoln scholars and biographers continue to view the emotional calamity that her death inflicted upon him as substantiation of their love story.

Delving further into the relationship between Lincoln and Rutledge reveals a compelling narrative that runs parallel to Lincoln’s rise in the political realm. His later marriage to Mary Todd has been analyzed through various lenses, with some arguments asserting that his connection with Rutledge continued to overshadow his married life.

The story of Abraham Lincoln and Ann Rutledge has become an inescapable part of Lincoln’s folklore. The untimely death of Rutledge, affirmed by many as Lincoln’s true love, symbolizes both romance and tragedy, making it an unforgettable chapter of American history. It serves as a poignant reminder of a love that could have altered the course of history and lends an intimate lens through which to view the man who would become one of the most important figures in the American narrative. Even today, the memory of Ann Rutledge prompts deep reflection and drives us to explore the human facets concealed behind Lincoln’s monumental legacy.

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