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What Was Abe Lincoln Thinking? Examining the Odd Two to One Ratio of His 1865 Inauguration Ball Invitation

Explore the mystery behind Abe Lincoln's 1865 Inauguration Ball invitation, which stipulated a two to one ratio of ladies to gentlemen. Was he trying to tip the scales in favor of his male advisors?
Indonesian embassy (Walsh-McLean Mansion)
Columbia Heights roller hockey (1926)

What’s up with this invite? Is Abe trying to tip the balance in the favor of his male advisors? Bizarre … two to one ratio?

Inauguration ball, Monday evening, March 6, 1865. Admit one gentleman and two ladies.
Inauguration ball, Monday evening, March 6, 1865. Admit one gentleman and two ladies.

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