Lincoln–Kennedy Coincidences Urban Legend

Introduction:

The Intriguing Parallels: Lincoln and Kennedy

Throughout history, certain figures emerge who not only shape the course of a nation but also leave behind a tapestry of intriguing coincidences that captivate our imagination. Among these figures, two U.S. Presidents stand out: Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. Separated by a century, their lives and presidencies share an astonishing array of coincidences that spark curiosity and speculation. From their political ascensions to the tragic circumstances of their deaths, the parallels between these two leaders invite us to explore the deeper connections that might exist in the fabric of American history. Join us as we delve into the captivating coincidences that link Lincoln and Kennedy, revealing a narrative that is as fascinating as it is thought-provoking.

Common Coincidences

Some of the most frequently cited coincidences include:

Both presidents were elected to Congress in 1846 and 1946, respectively, and later elected to the presidency in 1860 and 1960.
Their assassins, John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald, were both born in 1839 and 1939, respectively, and were known by three names consisting of 15 letters.
Both presidents were shot in the head on a Friday while in the presence of their wives.
Lincoln’s secretary was named John, while Kennedy’s was named Evelyn Lincoln, who warned him not to go to Dallas.

Despite the allure of these coincidences, many have been debunked or shown to be exaggerated. For example, Lincoln never had a secretary named Kennedy, and while both presidents were indeed concerned with civil rights, their specific actions and contexts were quite different.

Psychological Phenomenon

The persistence of the Lincoln-Kennedy coincidences can be attributed to a psychological phenomenon known as apophenia, which is the tendency to perceive meaningful patterns in random data. Martin Gardner, in his analysis, noted that while some coincidences are true, many are misleading or based on misinformation.

How do the Lincoln-Kennedy Coincidences compare to other Famous Urban Legends?

The Lincoln-Kennedy coincidences stand out as one of the most famous urban legends in American history, characterized by a series of supposed parallels between the two assassinated presidents. This urban legend has drawn comparisons to other well-known urban legends due to its blend of historical fact, exaggeration, and the human tendency to find patterns in randomness.

Key Comparisons to Other Urban Legends

Pattern Recognition: Like many urban legends, the Lincoln-Kennedy coincidences exploit the psychological phenomenon of apophenia, where people perceive meaningful connections in unrelated events. This is similar to legends like the “Curse of the Bambino,” which connects the Boston Red Sox’s failure to win the World Series to the sale of Babe Ruth. In both cases, the narratives thrive on the human inclination to find order in chaos.
Exaggeration of Facts: The Lincoln-Kennedy coincidences often include a mix of true and false statements, much like the urban legend of “The Killer in the Backseat,” which warns of a murderer hiding in a car. Both legends use a foundation of truth but embellish details to create a more compelling story. For instance, while it is true that both presidents were concerned with civil rights, many of the specific coincidences cited, such as Lincoln having a secretary named Kennedy, are false.
Cultural Impact and Endurance: The Lincoln-Kennedy coincidences have been popularized through various media, including songs and books, similar to urban legends like “Slender Man” or “The Chupacabra.” These legends often evolve over time, gaining new details and interpretations, which helps them remain relevant in popular culture. The song “History Repeats Itself,” which recounts the coincidences, exemplifies how these narratives can be woven into the fabric of cultural memory4.
Misinformation and Debunking: Just as many urban legends have been debunked through critical examination, the Lincoln-Kennedy coincidences have faced scrutiny. Investigations have shown that many claimed coincidences are easily explained as mere chance, echoing the fate of other urban legends that crumble under factual analysis, such as the myth that “you swallow an average of eight spiders a year while sleeping”—a claim that lacks scientific backing.

Conclusion

The Lincoln-Kennedy coincidences serve as a prime example of how urban legends can captivate the public’s imagination, blending historical events with mythmaking. They highlight the universal human tendency to seek connections and meaning, even when the evidence may be tenuous. As with many urban legends, they remind us of the power of storytelling and the allure of the extraordinary in the mundane.

Overview of the Coincidences

Some of the most frequently cited coincidences include:

Elections: Both Lincoln and Kennedy were elected to Congress in 1846 and 1946, respectively, and both became presidents in 1860 and 1960, exactly 100 years apart.
Assassination Details: Both were assassinated on a Friday, in the presence of their wives, and both were shot in the head.
Names and Numbers: Each president’s name contains seven letters, and both assassins, John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald, are known by three names that consist of 15 letters.
Succession: Their successors were both named Johnson, and each was born 100 years apart (Andrew Johnson in 1808 and Lyndon B. Johnson in 1908).