The Role of Eddie Yergeson and the Wide Awakes

Eddie Yergeson, a young man from Hartford, Connecticut, became an unexpected leader during the political rallies of 1860 by fashioning a unique black cape to avoid oil stains. His improvisation and the ensuing camaraderie among his friends transformed them into symbols of solidarity within the anti-slavery movement, which was predominantly supported by the Republican Party. This moment of creativity not only allowed them to stand out during a significant event but also rallied the community behind their cause. The newspaper coverage of the rally framed Eddie and his friends as the catalysts for a broader political awakening among Republicans, leading to the emergence of the Wide Awakes, a prominent political organization advocating for anti-slavery sentiments.