Hannibal Hamlin is a Bangorism. On Sunday afternoon Bart and I stood in awe at the glowing fall color in the Kenduskeag Mall between State and Central Streets. As we enjoyed the beauty of the park and the statue, we wondered what it may have been like to walk the streets of our fair city during Mr. Hamlin’s lifetime.
Born August 27, 1809 in the Paris District of Maine, moved to Bangor in 1851 to the Hannibal Hamlin Mansion at 15 Fifth Street, died while playing cards at the Tarratine Club, and lies forever at the Mount Hope Cemetery. He served as the Vice President to Abraham Lincoln, Governor of Maine , U.S. Senator, Congressman and Minister to Spain.
Mr. Hamlin’s two sons, Charles and Cyrus served in the civil war. His daughter Sarah and son Charles were present at the Ford Theater the night Lincoln was assassinated . Last but not least his two wives were half sisters. Stay tuned for more of Bart’s adventures!