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War Governors' Conference | HearLore
— Ch. 1 · Origins And Convening —
War Governors' Conference.
~6 min read · Ch. 1 of 7
The Loyal War Governors' Conference convened at the Logan House Hotel in Altoona, Pennsylvania on September 24 and 25, 1862. Thirteen governors of Union states gathered to discuss the war effort and state troop quotas. Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Gregg Curtin established and hosted the meeting as a staunch defender of Lincoln Administration policies. In late summer 1862, the war effort was going poorly for the United States. President Abraham Lincoln wished to release a proclamation that would free slaves in southern states but feared border states might secede if he acted prematurely. He needed a military victory before announcing the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Governor Andrew of Massachusetts sent out a telegram invitation on September 6 to all Union governors. The message asked them to meet at a point in the border states to discuss involvement in the war effort. Altoona became that location due to its proximity to Midwest states and New England. The city offered excellent transportation through the massive Pennsylvania Railroad center based there.
Debate Over McClellan
One of the main topics of discussion concerned General George B. McClellan, commander of the Army of the Potomac. Governor John Andrew of Massachusetts took to the floor and openly began to criticize General McClellan's ability as a leader. Governor William Sprague of Rhode Island agreed, claiming the Battle of Antietam fought less than a week earlier had been "a rebel victory." Sprague stated Confederates had not withdrawn because they were defeated but exhibited great military strategy in doing so. Governor David Tod of Ohio stated he could not understand why some would want to remove McClellan and that he would block any attempt to do so. The debate continued until 12:30 a.m. until the topic was exhausted. Despite many heated debates during the meeting, all governors except Augustus Bradford of Maryland consented to the final address. Bradford's disapproval is most likely a result of Maryland still being a slave state. In the morning, Governor Austin Blair of Michigan arrived late but joined fellow delegates going to Washington D.C. the same day. With Blair's name, a total of twelve signatures were included on the address presented to the president. No official minutes of the meeting were kept for security reasons.
Emancipation Proclamation Support
The Battle of Antietam on the 17th of September 1862 allowed Lincoln to claim the victory he so desperately needed. He issued the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation on September 22. This key event became a main topic among the governors. State executives began arriving at the Logan House Hotel in Altoona on September 23. As more governors and delegates arrived, crowds of local onlookers and politicians gathered on the train platform beside the hotel. Even General John Alexander McClernand and staff passing through Altoona decided to observe the spectacle. A reporter from the New York Herald attended the proceedings. The article about the conference appeared on the front page of this periodical on the 29th of September 1862. The day before the meeting began, governors who had arrived took a sight-seeing trip to Horseshoe Curve. John Edgar Thomson and the Pennsylvania Railroad provided the tour. Eleven governors, one representative, and numerous aides were in attendance when the meeting started the next morning. After an initial welcome by Governor Curtin, the group went right to business debating ways they could support the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. They also discussed how their individual states could aid the war effort.
The Official Address
Once the delegation reached the White House on September 26, they read the document proclaiming the "rightful authority" of the president. The text stated constitutional powers of Congress depend on rights and liberties of people. Governors agreed to continue in most vigorous exercise of all lawful powers contending against treason, rebellion, and public enemies until final victory and unconditional submission. The address promoted military education of people. Lincoln took welcomed suggestions on internal management including recruiting and transport of troops. However, the meeting became contentious when Governor Kirkwood of Iowa suggested General McClellan was unfit for command. Lincoln refused to argue either way on issue and promptly concluded meeting. Nevertheless, McClellan was relieved of command less than two months later. The Emancipation Proclamation came into effect on the 1st of January 1863. The address was sent to other Union governors unable to attend meeting. Executives of Vermont, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, and Oregon gave approval of document. It was declined by those of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Kentucky, and Missouri. The latter three were still slave states.
State Approval And Dissent
Governors in Attendance list shows John A. Andrew from Massachusetts approved declaration while Augustus Bradford from Maryland did not. Nathaniel S. Berry from New Hampshire and Austin Blair from Michigan both signed yes. Andrew G. Curtin of Pennsylvania and Samuel Kirkwood of Iowa also supported it. Oliver P. Morton represented Indiana with D.G. Rose as delegate. Francis H. Pierpont from Virginia Loyal and Edward Salomon from Wisconsin gave their names. William Sprague of Rhode Island and David Tod of Ohio joined the majority. Israel Washburn from Maine and Richard Yates from Illinois completed the group. The Emancipation Proclamation legally freed slaves in seceded states and parts of states not under Union control. It did not affect slavery in border states or areas of Virginia, Tennessee, and Louisiana already occupied by Union forces. Public sentiment in countries like Britain and France opposed supporting states maintaining institution of slavery. Coincidentally, Lincoln suspended Writ of Habeas Corpus United States same day governors met in Altoona. It is not known whether these two events connected in any way. Because meeting in Altoona occurred, Lincoln able to issue document with new sense authority delivered by northern governors and victory at Antietam.
Logan House Hotel Legacy
The Logan House Hotel where conference held was built in 1854 by Pennsylvania Railroad. Dubbed Mansion in Wilderness, it considered one grandest hotels country at time. With 106 rooms, gas lighting, and hot running water, believed most modern hotel age. One visitor stated hotel about size Rhode Island. Famous visitors included presidents Ulysses S Grant, Rutherford B Hayes, and William Howard Taft. Mary Todd Lincoln children spent few summer days at hotel escape heat congestion Washington D.C. Just year after Governors Conference, David Wills Gettysburg held meeting there begin plans establishment Gettysburg National Cemetery. Lincoln would deliver immortal Gettysburg Address there. Hotel closed 1927 building demolished 1931. Now site Altoona Post Office. In 1912 massive ceremony held Altoona celebrate 50th anniversary conference. All northern governors respective states attended event. Even President Taft came Altoona take part festivities give address large crowds. According personal accounts old photographs bunting decorations special events everywhere. Massive parade held 11th Avenue downtown included old veterans Civil War. Float model USS Monitor including revolving turret entered parade. Dozens other large floats entered local groups. At Cricket Field sports arena now site commercial retail plaza front Altoona Hospital, large festival vendors food souvenirs helped commemorate event.
Semi-Centennial Commemoration
The Loyal War Governors Conference often overlooked history American Civil War. However can argued played important role policies Abraham Lincoln. President now had re-affirmed support northern states finish war. In observance 50th anniversary event, Altoona Mirror stated conference more than any other thing strengthened Lincoln hands darkest hour war period. The Emancipation Proclamation influenced countries such Britain France against recognizing Confederacy. Public sentiment those countries largely opposed supporting states maintained institution slavery. Because meeting in Altoona occurred, Lincoln able issue document new sense authority commitment delivered by northern governors victory at Antietam. The Logan House Hotel hosted original gathering before its demolition in 1931. Semi-centennial celebration brought together former participants and their successors for grand display of unity. Festivities included parades, speeches, and community gatherings that honored the legacy of these state leaders. The event demonstrated how a single political moment could ripple through decades of American history.
When and where did the Loyal War Governors Conference take place?
The Loyal War Governors Conference convened at the Logan House Hotel in Altoona, Pennsylvania on September 24 and 25, 1862. Thirteen governors of Union states gathered to discuss the war effort and state troop quotas.
Why was the Loyal War Governors Conference held in Altoona, Pennsylvania?
Altoona became that location due to its proximity to Midwest states and New England. The city offered excellent transportation through the massive Pennsylvania Railroad center based there.
What role did the Battle of Antietam play in the Loyal War Governors Conference?
The Battle of Antietam on the 17th of September 1862 allowed Lincoln to claim the victory he so desperately needed. He issued the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation on September 22 following this key event which became a main topic among the governors.
Which governors signed the address presented to President Abraham Lincoln during the conference?
A total of twelve signatures were included on the address presented to the president after Governor Austin Blair of Michigan arrived late but joined fellow delegates going to Washington D.C. the same day. Executives of Vermont, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, and Oregon gave approval of document while those of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Kentucky, and Missouri declined it.
How did the Loyal War Governors Conference influence the Emancipation Proclamation?
Because meeting in Altoona occurred, Lincoln able to issue document with new sense authority delivered by northern governors and victory at Antietam. The Emancipation Proclamation legally freed slaves in seceded states and parts of states not under Union control.