The Night Abraham Lincoln Slept on New Bedford’s County Street

In today's jet-setting world, it is not unusual for national politicians such as presidents or members of Congress to fly in and out of American cities within hours to deliver campaign stump speeches for themselves or the candidates they support.

Not long ago, President Joe Biden flew into Rhode Island and traveled by motorcade to Somerset, Massachusetts to deliver a brief speech at the former Brayton Point Power Station. Before long, Biden was "wheels up" aboard Air Force One on his way back to Washington, D.C.

Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter were among the many national political figures who visited New Bedford to deliver a quick stump speech, only to be gone within hours.

That wasn't so easy in September 1848 when Congressman Abraham Lincoln, a member of the Whig Party from Illinois, came to Massachusetts for more than a week to campaign for fellow Whig Zachary Taylor's presidential campaign.

There were no jets then and traveling statesmen moved about via train, boat or carriage.

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While here, Lincoln also stumped on behalf of his friend and fellow Whig, businessman Joseph Grinnell of New Bedford, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1843 to 1851.

Lincoln delivered his remarks at Liberty Hall, which stood at the corner of Purchase Street and William Street in downtown New Bedford.

The New Bedford Morning Mercury newspaper reported the crowd "fired off three lusty cheers for Mr. Lincoln."

Lincoln spent the night at the Grinnell Mansion at 739 County Street. The following day, the future president traveled to Taunton, where he delivered another speech on behalf of Taylor's candidacy.