The Mysterious Epidemic That Nearly Stopped a Presidential Inauguration

In 1857, an unusual outbreak struck hundreds of Washington's elite, including President-Elect James Buchanan, at the National Hotel, nearly derailing the presidential inauguration. The mysterious illness caused violent symptoms, and its cause remains a historical puzzle. This incident underscores the vulnerability of public health even in the highest echelons of government, highlighting the need for robust health protocols in such settings. The event serves as a stark reminder of how disease can disrupt the course of history.