Retropolis: The presidential inauguration that made everyone sick
1Digest
This podcast, Retropolis, investigates a strange illness that struck during President James Buchanan's 1857 inauguration. Hundreds fell ill at the National Hotel, leading to initial suspicions of poisoning directed at Buchanan and his associates. The episode details the lavish inaugural parade and the subsequent outbreak, exploring various theories including contaminated food, water, and airborne pathogens. Through investigation, the podcast concludes that a cholera-like contagion, spread via inadequate sewage systems and overall unsanitary conditions prevalent in 19th-century Washington D.C., was the most likely culprit. The episode also discusses the prevalence of conspiracy theories surrounding the event and its potential impact on Buchanan's presidency, ultimately concluding with a call for listener suggestions for future historical mysteries.
Outlines
The 1857 Inaugural Mystery: Disease at the National Hotel
This episode introduces Retropolis and focuses on a mysterious illness outbreak during President Buchanan's 1857 inauguration, exploring initial theories and the investigation into its cause at the National Hotel.
Investigating the Outbreak and its Likely Cause
The investigation into the National Hotel disease is detailed, examining various theories and ultimately concluding that a cholera-like contagion spread through unsanitary conditions was the most probable cause.
Aftermath and Future Investigations
The episode concludes with the National Hotel's recovery and a call to action, inviting listeners to suggest historical mysteries for future episodes.
Keywords
National Hotel Disease
A mysterious illness outbreak during President James Buchanan's 1857 inauguration, likely caused by a cholera-like contagion due to unsanitary conditions.
James Buchanan
15th President of the United States, whose inauguration was impacted by a significant illness outbreak.
1857 Inauguration
The inauguration ceremony of President James Buchanan, marked by a widespread illness outbreak at the National Hotel.
Cholera
A possible cause of the National Hotel Disease, spread through contaminated water and food.
Conspiracy Theories
Speculations surrounding the National Hotel Disease, highlighting their prevalence in historical events.
Unsanitary Conditions
Poor sanitation in 19th-century Washington D.C., contributing to the spread of the National Hotel Disease.
Retropolis
A Washington Post column re-examining historical events.
Washington D.C.
The location of the National Hotel and the 1857 Presidential Inauguration.
National Hotel
The hotel where the majority of the illness outbreak occurred during the 1857 inauguration.
Q&A
What were the initial theories surrounding the cause of the National Hotel Disease?
Initial theories ranged from poisoning to contaminated food or water.
What was the most likely cause of the National Hotel Disease?
A cholera-like contagion spread through unsanitary conditions at the National Hotel.
How did the National Hotel Disease potentially impact President Buchanan's presidency?
The illness and speculation surrounding it may have negatively impacted his leadership.
What role did unsanitary conditions play in the outbreak?
The lack of sanitation in 19th-century Washington D.C. created an environment conducive to the spread of disease.
Show Notes
In this special episode of “Post Reports,” columnist Petula Dvorak reads her first installment of The Post’s revealing history column, Retropolis.
James Buchanan barely won the presidency. The nation was roiling in the debate over slavery. So when Buchanan became gravely ill before his inaugural address, it wasn’t a stretch to suspect an assassination attempt. The presidential entourage all stayed at the posh National Hotel on Capitol Hill and they fell ill, too. It hit more than 400 guests of the hotel and more than 30 died. It became known as the mysterious National Hotel Disease and confounded Washington for months.
The piece was reported, written and read by Petula Dvorak. Audio production and original music by Bishop Sand.
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