Lincoln-Thomas Day

Fort Stevens in the fall season

NPS / Claire Hassler

Join us on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Fort Stevens for the commemoration of the 102nd anniversary of Lincoln-Thomas Day, and to commemorate President Lincoln's visit to Fort Stevens with living history, storytelling, and reflection on leadership during the Civil War.

Closer to the date of the event, this page will be updated with more information about the day's schedule.

 

 

Elizabeth Proctor Thomas (seated) at Fort Stevens, 1911.

DC History Center / Willard R. Ross photograph collection

History of Lincoln-Thomas Day

On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued a preliminary proclamation ordering the emancipation of all slaves in any state of the Confederate States of America that did not return to United States control by January 1, 1863. No states returned; and the order, which was signed and issued January 1, 1863, became effective, except in locations where the United States had already mostly regained control. Thus, the date of September 22 was forever etched in American history; and 150 years after the president issued his Emancipation Proclamation, it is still considered by many to be the most defining act of his presidency.

The initial Lincoln-Thomas Day celebration, established by the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, was observed nationally on September 22, 1924, to honor two individuals of the Civil War-era who came from very different backgrounds but shared a profound connection to Fort Stevens.

The mutual alliance between President Abraham Lincoln and Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas presented unique challenges for both in balancing necessity with sacrifice. And although historical accounts provide a range of interpretations with respect to some specifics of that alliance, the Federation deemed a president, known as The Great Emancipator, and an ordinary citizen, known as “the owner of Fort Stevens,” to be “memorable characters” worthy of national recognition.

Additionally, the ceremonial unveiling of “Elizabeth Thomas Way” in 2012 denoted the immeasurable contribution of Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas, a Brightwood resident whose home was among those properties seized to enlarge the Union fortress originally known as Fort Massachusetts. Her story symbolizes the unwavering devotion of many unsung and unknown patriots whose personal sacrifices paved the way for an ultimate Union victory. It is, therefore, altogether fitting that this community and the citizens of the District of Columbia pay homage to one of their own for whom she was and what she continued to accomplish as a well-respected member of the Brightwood community until her death on October 13, 1917.