A Presidential Fourth

July 4, 1870 the little-known village in secluded northeast Connecticut commanded the country’s attention. President Grant and a host of other luminaries, accompanied by Gilmore’s Band, had chosen to celebrate the nation’s holiday in Woodstock. Newspapers estimated as many as 13,000 spectators were present for the celebration on the town common. This illustration from Harper’s Weekly shows Henry Ward Beecher preaching, and Grant and other dignitaries seated in Roseland Cottage’s Gothic chairs, under a huge tent.

Image courtesy of Laurie Masciandaro