Drunk History season 5 episode 12 Recap and FAQ
Episode Summary
Montgomery Meigs, betrayed by mentor Robert E. Lee's Confederate allegiance, occupies Lee's estate, turning it into a Union HQ and burial ground for soldiers, which eventually becomes Arlington National Cemetery. Concurrently, in 1875 Chicago, Big Jim Kennally's counterfeiting operation hits a snag leading to a failed plot to kidnap Abraham Lincoln's corpse, thwarted by the Secret Service. Meanwhile, Elmer McCurdy's aspirations of outlaw fame end with his death in a shootout, his body embalmed for public display, ultimately discovered on a TV set in 1976 and buried in Oklahoma.
Full Episode S05E12 Recap
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Montgomery Meigs and what was his role during the Civil War?
Montgomery Meigs was a quartermaster general for the Union army during the Civil War.
Why did Meigs occupy Robert E. Lee's residence?
Meigs occupied Lee's residence to use it as the Union army's headquarters.
What significant act did Meigs order on Lee's property?
Meigs ordered Union soldiers to be buried on Lee's property, including in Mary Lee's rose garden.
What did Arlington National Cemetery used to be?
It was originally the estate of Robert E. Lee and was transformed into Arlington National Cemetery after the Civil War.
Who was Big Jim Kennally?
Big Jim Kennally was the leader of a counterfeiting ring in Chicago.
What was Kennally's plan regarding Abraham Lincoln's body?
Kennally planned to kidnap Lincoln's body to ransom for his associate Boyd's release and $200,000.
Who was Lewis Swegles in the Lincoln body kidnapping story?
Lewis Swegles was a Secret Service informant who infiltrated the kidnapping crew.
How did the Secret Service foil the kidnapping of Lincoln's body?
They ambushed the kidnappers at Lincoln's grave, leading to their eventual capture.
Who was Elmer McCurdy?
Elmer McCurdy was an aspiring outlaw who died in a shootout with police.
How did McCurdy's body end up in a Long Beach amusement park?
After being passed around in various exhibits, his body was stored for 20 years and then used in the amusement park.
What happened during the "Six Million Dollar Man" shoot involving McCurdy's body?
A crew member discovered McCurdy's body was real when an arm fell off, revealing a human bone.
How was McCurdy's identity confirmed after discovery?
The coroner identified him through items found on the body and a bullet wound in his chest.
Where was McCurdy finally buried?
McCurdy was buried in Oklahoma, next to Bill Doolin's grave.
What transformation did Arlington National Cemetery undergo?
It changed from the Lee family estate to a national cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
What role did the Secret Service play in the Lincoln body kidnapping plot?
The Secret Service played a crucial role in thwarting the kidnapping and establishing their reputation.
