10/02/2024
The Lincoln Door: A Gift from Abraham Lincoln?
Wellsboro is home to many hidden gems, but few are as intriguing as the “Lincoln Door” on the Shearer House. According to local legend, this door was a personal gift from none other than President Abraham Lincoln himself!
In 1858, when Dr. and Mrs. Shearer purchased their house in Wellsboro, they brought with them a unique connection to Lincoln. The Shearers had been close friends with the Lincolns during their time in Springfield, Illinois. As a token of friendship, Lincoln is said to have gifted them this door, which had been part of another building, to install in their new home. The door still stands today as a quiet reminder of their remarkable bond.
While it feels almost too incredible to be true, the Shearers’ friendship with the Lincolns is well documented. As for the door’s origin, there’s no definitive proof to confirm or deny the story—but nothing to disprove it either. Whether urban legend or historical fact, the Lincoln Door continues to capture the imaginations of those who pass by.
The Shearer House is a stop on Wellsboro’s self-guided Walking Tour of Historic Wellsboro. Though on private property, the door is easily viewed from the sidewalk. You can pick up a brochure for the tour at the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce
Next time you're out exploring Wellsboro, take a moment to appreciate this small piece of history.
