1861 Inaugural Ball Invitation to Misses Dixon

"Misses Dixon," being the wife of Connecticut' Republican Senator, James Dixon.

with this elaborately-engraved document - printed by the Philp & Solomons; hereby invited to attend President Lincoln's 1861 Inaugural Union Ball.

The "Union Ball," began at 10 p.m was held in a temporary ballroom constructed behind Washington’s City Hall called the “white muslin Palace of Aladin.” The ballroom had rooms for dancing, rooms for supper, and dressing rooms located within City Hall, the ladies having commandeered the Common Council chamber, and the gentlemen, the courtroom. The President and Mrs. Lincoln arrived at 11 p.m. - and although Lincoln stayed only a half hour, and Mrs. Lincoln two, a grand time was had by all 2,500 guests.