The Wabash Hanging: 6,000 Witnesses (Part 4)

Wabash, Indiana. It was raining on the day of the execution, as Fletcher described it. The rain during the forenoon had the effect of making the streets and almost every other place exceedingly sloppy and muddy. The ground having recently been frozen, the mud was not very deep, but every place was very slippery. While the crowd were assembled around the jail waiting, a rather green young man attempted to show his agility and fleetness by starting off in a fast run. TIMELINE 1820: in the Italian city of Firenze. 1854: and I realized, they must have felt some of what I had. 1880: and the few who are still out at a late hour only have the dying light of oil lamps to walk around the town. WHY THIS MATTERS The story of Wabash is a reminder that the events that shaped America didn't always happen in the biggest cities. What unfolded here left marks on the community that are still visible today. The full story is more complicated, and more human, than the version most people know. Episode 64 | Hometown History | Hosted by Shane Waters If you liked this: Episode 180 (Hagerstown, Indiana) Hometown History explores forgotten stories from small-town America. The overlooked events, hidden triumphs, and buried tragedies that shaped the country we live in. New episodes every Tuesday. Find every episode at mythsandmalice.com/hometown-historyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy