[Archived] Book Signing: The Day Lincoln Was Shot, Saturday, August 3

Saturday, August 3, 2-5 p.m. at Fort Ward Museum

The public is welcome to attend a book signing and author’s reception at Fort Ward Museum to celebrate the release of a new publication, “The Day Lincoln Was Almost Shot: The Fort Stevens Story,” by Civil War historian B. Franklin Cooling III. The event will be held on Saturday, August 3, from 2-5 p.m.  For this event only, a special book price of $40 will be offered. Cash or check only will be accepted.

The book recounts the story of President Abraham Lincoln’s role in the Battle of Fort Stevens in July 1864, the only attempt by the Confederacy to breach the Defenses of Washington, and the only time a sitting American president came under direct enemy fire while in office. Dr. Cooling’s new study of the Battle of Fort Stevens examines in detail, using new documentary sources, the attempt by Confederate General Jubal Early to capture the Federal capital, and Lincoln’s close call at Fort Stevens, a potential turning point in American history. The book arrives in time for readers to prepare for the events and commemorative activities that will mark the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Stevens in 2014.

Dr. Cooling is a well-known Civil War historian who has authored many publications on Civil War and American military history. He is a specialist in the history of the Defenses of Washington, and a co-author with Walton H. Owen II of “Mr. Lincoln’s Forts:  A Guide to the Civil War Defenses of Washington,” which will also be available at the Fort Ward Museum book-signing event. 

Fort Ward is located at 4301 West Braddock Road in the west end of the City of Alexandria. Fort Ward is the best preserved of the extensive system of Union forts known as the Defenses of Washington. The Museum features exhibits, programs and special events throughout the year. Please contact Fort Ward Museum at 703.746.4848 for more information.