A Presidential Sized Coincidence

About this episode

This episode explores strange coincidences during the Civil War, highlighting notable stories and events.

History is full of strange coincidences, and the Civil War is no exception. In fact, we’ve documented many coincidences that occurred during the biggest turning point in our nation’s history – from the story of Wilmer McLean, whose land provided the stage for the first Battle of Bull Run and whose house witnessed the signing of peace in Appomattox, to the Union soldiers from the 27th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, who found a copy of Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s "Lost Order" wrapped around three cigars in a field near Frederick, Maryland. But maybe no story of coincidence can compare to that of Stefan Lorant, who was researching a book on Abraham Lincoln in the 1950s, when he came across an image of the President’s funeral procession as it moved down Broadway in New York City. The photo was dated April 25, 1865 and it unlocked a truly remarkable occurrence in American History. Want some Missing Chapter merchandise? Click ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ !

People in this episode

Hosts: Philip Horender, Philip Schoff

Topics covered

• Civil War
• coincidences
• American history
• Abraham Lincoln
• historical events

Keywords

• Civil War
• coincidences
• Abraham Lincoln
• Wilmer McLean
• Robert E. Lee
• historical events

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Lost Order

Places: Frederick, Maryland

More episodes of The Missing Chapter Podcast

• From Rejection To Redemption · May 30, 2026 · 18 min
• Brooklyn Bridge Bunker · May 23, 2026 · 13 min
• When The Coin Dropped · May 16, 2026 · 25 min
• Mask Up, Mascot! · May 9, 2026 · 18 min
• Snuggle Time · May 2, 2026 · 17 min
• Word Wars · April 25, 2026 · 20 min