Lincoln Cottage keeps copy of Emancipation on view

Written by Associated Press

Tuesday, 05 February 2013 10:49

The Lincoln Cottage in Washington, D.C. Image by Hij. This work has been released into the public domain by its author at the wikipedia project.

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Lincoln's Cottage is keeping a rare, signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation on display for two more months.

Lincoln contemplated and drafted much of the document more than 150 years ago at the cottage in Washington where he spent much of his presidency. The display was supposed to end in February but has been extended through April 30.

The historic site says the extended exhibition coincides with the 151st anniversary of Lincoln's lesser-known D.C. Emancipation Act on April 16, 1862.

The cottage is the first public venue to display this document that was purchased last year by businessman David Rubenstein. Rubenstein purchased the document at auction for $2.1 million.

Lincoln signed 48 copies of the Emancipation Proclamation to be sold to fund medical care for Union soldiers.

AP-WF-02-01-13 1156GMT

ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE

The Lincoln Cottage in Washington, D.C. Image by Hij. This work has been released into the public domain by its author at the wikipedia project.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 05 February 2013 12:00