In the late 19th century, Ingersoll Lockwood penned two novels that have recently captured the imaginations of readers: Baron Trump’s Marvelous Underground Journey and The Last President. Although these books were largely forgotten for decades, they’ve resurfaced in recent years due to their uncanny similarities to events and figures in contemporary politics, particularly those surrounding former U.S. President Donald Trump and his family. The strange coincidences between these works of fiction and real-life events have left many people wondering—could these books have somehow predicted the future?
A Young Adventurer Named Trump
In 1893, Lockwood introduced readers to the young protagonist, Baron Trump. In Baron Trump’s Marvelous Underground Journey, this wealthy boy embarks on a bizarre and fantastical adventure through a hidden world beneath the Earth’s surface. Accompanied by his loyal dog, Bulger, Baron Trump encounters strange creatures, surreal landscapes, and hidden civilizations. The character of Baron Trump is portrayed as intelligent, adventurous, and perhaps a bit arrogant, traits that some have noted bear a resemblance to certain public figures.
But what really caught people’s attention was the name. Baron Trump’s name is identical to that of Donald Trump’s youngest son, Barron. Though the spelling is slightly different, the similarity is enough to raise eyebrows. And that’s not all—Baron Trump in the novel is guided by a mentor named “Don,” which has led some to draw parallels to Donald Trump himself. As the young Baron travels through his journey, he navigates a world of wealth, privilege, and exploration, echoing the real-life Trump family’s high-profile travels and ventures.
A Chaotic Presidency Foretold?
Three years later, Lockwood released The Last President, a short novel that begins with an unexpected and controversial election result. The newly elected president, a populist, has stirred up fear and anger among the establishment, leading to widespread protests and unrest in New York City. The setting of this turmoil? Fifth Avenue—coincidentally, the very location of Trump Tower, the real-life residence of Donald Trump before and during his presidency.
The novel’s depiction of civil unrest following the election of a president who is both loved and reviled by different segments of the population has drawn obvious comparisons to the events surrounding Trump’s rise to power. The tension, division, and outcry portrayed in The Last President eerily mirror the political and social climate of the United States during and after the 2016 election.
But the coincidences don’t stop there. The very title, The Last President, has led to speculative discussions about whether this book foretells a significant turning point in American politics. Could Lockwood have somehow glimpsed the future? Some people have gone so far as to suggest that these novels are not just works of fiction but uncanny predictions of a modern era.
Connections and Coincidences
- Fifth Avenue and Trump Tower: In the novel, the president-elect resides in a hotel on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Trump Tower, where Donald Trump lived before and during his presidency, is also located on Fifth Avenue. This has led some to draw parallels between the fictional president’s residence and Trump’s real-life home.
- Populist President: The president in the novel is described as a populist, appealing to the common people but causing great concern among the elite and the establishment. Donald Trump’s political rise was similarly marked by his populist rhetoric, which resonated with many voters but was met with resistance from the political establishment.
- Civil Unrest and Division: The novel depicts widespread protests and civil unrest following the election of the president, which mirrors the real-world protests and divisions that occurred during and after the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
- The “Last President”: The title of the book, The Last President, has led to speculative interpretations that it might symbolize the end of an era or a significant change in American politics, which some have connected to Trump’s unconventional presidency.
Coincidence or Something More?
While it’s easy to get caught up in the mysterious connections between these books and real-life events, it’s important to remember that they were written over a century ago, in a very different time. The similarities are likely nothing more than coincidences—albeit incredibly intriguing ones.
Whether you view these novels as eerie predictions or simply as fascinating curiosities, there’s no denying the allure they hold. As the world continues to grapple with rapid changes and unpredictable events, the works of Ingersoll Lockwood remind us that sometimes, truth really is stranger than fiction.
