21 Jul - Lincoln’s Tomb

After Lincoln’s death, funerals were held in Washington, D.C. and 10 other cities before he came to his final resting place in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. After his body was kept in a holding vault for 7 months, Lincoln’s body was placed in a temporary tomb from 1865-1871. Friends of Lincoln’s raised money and private donations paid for the building of the tomb in which he now resides. This tomb took 5 years to build, from 1869-1874. In the early 20th century, the site was turned over to the state of Illinois, who remodeled it to the way it looks today. More remodeling is underway, perhaps in preparation for next year’s celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday.

On top of the tomb are an obelisk and 4 statues. These statues represent the infantry, the artillery, the navy, and the cavalry. What is interesting is that the statues are made from cannons used in the Civil War, which were melted down to make the statutes.

Inside the tomb are the bodies of Abraham, Mary, Willie, Eddie, Tad, and a marker for Robert, who is buried in Arlington. There are also several bronze replicas of statues. The marble was obtained from around the world, including Mt. Nebo, Utah. There are 4 bronze plaques: Lincoln’s life story, his farewell address in Springfield before he left for Washington, D.C., the Gettysburg Address, and Lincoln’s 2nd Inaugural Address

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