Type: Exhibition caption

Detail: In a stunning reversal, New Jersey voters elected a Republican governor and gave the Republicans majorities in both houses of the state legislature in the 1865 elections. Marcus Ward, Unionist and “Soldier’s Friend” narrowly defeated Newark mayor Theodore Runyon. Once in office, Ward called a session of the legislature to reconsider and ratify the Thirteenth Amendment, although it was already the law of the land.

Type: Exhibition case

Name: Triumph and Tragedy

Detail: The end of the Civil War in April 1865 brought short-lived rejoicing followed by shock and grief at the assassination of President Lincoln. In New Jersey, the war ended amidst continuing political strife. As soldiers began to return home and life returned to normal, however, the election of a Republican governor heralded a new era in state politics.