Hannibal Hamlin

The "What If" Vice President

Mount Hope Cemetery

Bangor, Maine

 

 

As you explore cemeteries be aware that some of the most interesting finds may be right under your nose. That was the case with me on the day I stopped to visit the final resting place of Hannibal Hamlin. What I discovered was one of the most interesting stories of what might have happened had the situation been different. Considering the political fervor currently sweeping our nation with upcoming presidential elections this story is especially interesting.

 

It is true that most people have never heard of Hannibal Hamlin. Like most Vice Presidents in American history time has seemed to even erase his name from our memories. Hamlin who hailed from the Bangor area and practiced law in a small office in Hampden rose to some prominence with the establishment of the new Republican party. He became one of the leading voices in the fledgling party in a state itching for the ideals of a party that opposed slavery. Hamlin was himself an outspoken abolitionist. As the Republican party chose Abraham Lincoln for president, Hamlin became a obvious choice for a running mate. Due to the politics of the time, He never even met Lincoln until after the election and the two men had little dealings during Lincoln's first four years of office. Hamlin instead worked hard as the leader of the Senate.

 

History was about to take an interesting turn. As Lincoln ran for re-election he chose Andrew Johnson as his new running mate, dismissing Hamlin. Many believe this move by Lincoln was purely political. Johnson was the current provincial governor of Tennessee and Lincoln was hoping to increase his support base in what was believed to be a difficult election. Lincoln could not have know that before his term was up he would be assassinated and Johnson would become President by default. History will forever associate Johnson with one word "reconstruction." Following the war, Johnson followed a much harsher plan for reconstruction in the south, much different from the one Lincoln was developing. Many consider the results of Johnson's plans to be disastrous.

 

What if Lincoln had chosen to stay with Hamlin? It is safe to say that history would have played out very differently. Of course we can only speculate, but it seems more likely that Hamlin would have followed a gentler reconstruction plan, perhaps one closer to Lincoln's own plan. We can only wonder the social affect this might have had on a nation that was literally torn apart.

If you are interested in visiting the gravesite of this forgotten Vice President it can be found at the Mt. Hope Cemetery located on the border of Bangor and Veazie. Mt. Hope is actually a beautiful and well cared for cemetery with an interesting history of it's own, but that is a story for another time. Let me just say that you will enjoy your visit to this tranquil, unique and well cared for cemetery.