America 250: Unraveling the secret inscriptions inside Lincoln's watch

NPR | By Debbie Elliott

Published September 20, 2026 at 8:05 AM EDT

When President Lincoln's pocket watch was being cleaned in 1861, the watchmaker inscribed a secret message about a pivotal moment in the nation's history that still resonates today.

Debbie Elliott

NPR National Correspondent Debbie Elliott can be heard telling stories from her native South.

See stories by Debbie Elliott

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

The Senate is about to pass a bill that promises to bring stability to college sports

Eric McDaniel, Becky Sullivan, Debbie Elliott

A bipartisan bill making its way through the Senate would reshape the rules of the road around college sports, but critics say it benefits schools while limiting the benefits to student athletes.
A program in a Texas prison teaches incarcerated women to transcribe braille

Sarah Asch

The job market is tougher for those with a criminal record. But a Texas women's prison offers inmates skills in braille transcription that could help them support themselves when they are released.
Xi Jinping is coming to the White House. Here's what to expect

Debbie Elliott, Emily Feng

Xi Jinping arrives in the US this week for an important summit with President Trump. We look at what President Trump and the Chinese leader want out of this visit.
In the new animated film 'Forgotten Island,' Filipino mythology is the main character

Debbie Elliott

Filipino mythology takes the stage in the new film 'Forgotten Island.' NPR's Debbie Elliott speaks to actress Lea Salonga, who voices the Mananngal.
Lucy Foley brings Miss Marple back in 'Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel'

Debbie Elliott

Miss Marple is back and on holiday in the Alps, but there's no holiday from wickness! NPR's Debbie Elliott talks with author Lucy Foley about "Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel."