Robert Todd Lincoln is famous for many things. He is, after all, the son of the martyred president and has a fascinating history of being an eyewitness to more than one presidential assassination. He also has a unique story about how John Wilkes Booth’s brother rescued him from falling in front of a train in Philadelphia.

Most people are familiar with this history and go to Hildene, right in the heart of Manchester, a sole focus on the house in the presidential element. Don’t get me wrong, the home is worth visiting. But Hildene is a 400-acre property that includes a goat dairy, Dene Farm, and a variety of trails. To me, the mistake with that is what I found to be one of the fascinating elements—the Pullman Car.

Pullman Car Company

Robert Todd Lincoln was also the Pullman Car Company president. Besides the magnificent mansion is one of the best-preserved Pullman Cars. This model has been restored perfectly, and you can walk through and see all the detail. The Pullman car was the hallmark of luxury travel and set the standard for luxury travel for years to come. It is the equivalent of a private jet.

There is racial injustice as formerly enslaved African-Americans worked as porters for little pay. They were not treated as individuals and were hired based on the darkness of their skin; the darker, the better, as this was thought to be indicative of intelligence. Though not treated well, the porters made a good income with tips. They were responsible for paying Rosa Park’s bail and inviting MLK to the Washington March. The history enthralled our 15-year-old; she had not learned this in school.

Yes, a visit to Hildene is seeing a beautiful mansion. There is an ecological element to the massive 400 acres and even a goat dairy. Come to Hildene. See the estate, the grounds, and the goat dairy but do not skip the beautiful Pullman Car, as it is exquisite. Learn about Robert Todd Lincoln and his history with his father. Learn also about the racial injustice that we knew so little about, as well as the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters.

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