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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?
Taken by Sidney Duff in Washington, DC. Union Station was completed in October 1908. Here, only one of the six statues have been installed over the entrance. Another photo from the set shows the Tidal Basin frozen over, causing me to guess that this is January 1908.
Firemen putting out the Boundary Field fire
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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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