On August 11, 1914, a train arrived in Rome, Georgia, transporting the body of Ellen Axson Wilson, the former First Lady. The atmosphere was somber, marked by dark skies and the sound of bells ringing in tribute. This moment captures a poignant connection to the historical context of the era, as it unfolds during a tumultuous period just before the outbreak of World War I.

Erik Larson’s book "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania" delves into the events surrounding the sinking of the Lusitania, intertwining personal stories with significant historical moments. The arrival of Wilson’s body serves as a reminder of the many lives impacted by the unfolding global tensions and the personal grief experienced at such times.