Quietly Shaping History exhibit panel · Quietly Shaping History: John Bigelow's Influence on 19th Century Politics

This exhibit illustrates the extraordinary life of Union College alumnus John Bigelow (1817-1911, UC 1835) who played a pivotal role in shaping the Reconstruction Era, the Gilded Age, and the Progressive Era through his roles as an American author, diplomat, lawyer, philanthropist, and distinguished man of letters. Despite his remarkable contributions and impact on 19th-century world history, John Bigelow remains relatively unknown in popular historical narratives

Bigelow made significant contributions during his literary and editorial career, when he co-owned and co-edited the influential New York Evening Post alongside William Cullen Bryant, and collaborated with renowned authors like Fitz-Green Halleck, William Thackeray, and Charles Dickens.

During his political and diplomatic endeavors, including his appointments as Consul-General at Paris under President Abraham Lincoln and U.S. Ambassador to France, he successfully prevented shipbuilding for the Confederacy and dissuaded Napoleon III from annexing Mexico. A leader in New York state politics, he was appointed an inspector of Sing Sing Prison, was elected New York Secretary of State, and worked to expose political corruption in New York City's Tammany Hall.

Bigelow's philanthropic pursuits were equally impressive. He championed the establishment of the New York Public Library, fulfilling Samuel J. Tilden's vision, and served as a trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His legacy extended beyond borders, as he played a vital role in supporting the construction of the Panama Canal and was appointed the United States Commissioner to the 1888 Brussels International Exhibition.

Embark on a journey through John Bigelow's life and experience the profound impact he had on literature, politics, and philanthropy through letters, images, scrapbooks, and other materials from the John Bigelow papers. Discover his extensive network of influential acquaintances and immerse yourself in the vibrant era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By highlighting his behind-the-scenes influence on world politics and his connections to prominent figures of his time, the exhibit provides a unique perspective on 19th century history and the individuals who shaped it.

Curated by Amanda Greenwood, Bigelow Project Archivist
You can browse the John Bigelow collection on Schaffer Library's digital repository, ARCHES, by scanning the QR code.

The John Bigelow collection on ARCHES