11 Facts About Richard Wallach

Richard Wallach grew up in Washington City where his father was a successful attorney.

Richard Wallach attended Gonzaga College High School and then Columbian College and was admitted to the DC bar in 1836.

Richard Wallach was an active member of the Whig Party and was elected as such to the Washington Common Council in 1846, serving for two years.

Richard Wallach was defeated amidst widespread allegations of election fraud.

Richard Wallach ran again in 1860, facing Berret a second time, and lost by 24 votes.

In 1861, Richard Wallach was serving as the president of the board of Aldermen when Mayor Berret was arrested for refusing to take a loyalty oath to the United States, pursuant to emergency Civil War legislation passed by the US Congress.

Richard Wallach was elected to three terms in his own right, and served until 1868, the first Washington mayor to serve more than one term since William Winston Seaton.

Richard Wallach submitted several proposals for beautification of the city's avenues and successfully advocated for a Congressional grant to build a modern marketplace in the center of the city.

Richard Wallach was mayor when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in April 1865.

Richard Wallach oversaw the police investigation and helped to prevent a riot in the crowds of frightened attendees at Ford's Theater.

Richard Wallach was a staunch opponent of both emancipation and suffrage for former slaves, but did act to encourage integration of Washington schools, intending to dispel the idea that only poor children attended public schools.