Lincoln Tomb

The Lincoln Tomb is the resting place of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States; his wife Mary Todd Lincoln; and three of their sons: Edward, William, and Thomas. It is in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. The tomb is made of granite and has a tall base shaped like a trapezoid, with an obelisk that rises 117 feet (36 meters) high on top.

Outside, there are bronze statues, reliefs, and stone carvings at the base of the obelisk, and stairs lead up to a terrace. Inside, the tomb has marble walls and special bronze statues of Lincoln. There is also a stained glass window and flags in the room where the family is buried.

After Lincoln died, his body was first placed in a nearby receiving tomb before being moved to this final resting place. The tomb is owned by the State of Illinois and is called the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site. It was named one of the first National Historic Landmarks in 1960 and was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

History

On April 16, 1865, two days after President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, people in Springfield began planning a memorial or tomb for him. After his funeral, Lincoln's body was first placed temporarily at Oak Ridge Cemetery, where his wife wanted him buried. Later, his body was moved closer to the memorial being built.

In 1874, the memorial was finished, and Lincoln's body was placed inside in a special stone box. In 1876, some criminals tried to take his body, so it was hidden again. Over the years, Lincoln’s body was moved several more times to keep it safe. Today, he, his wife, and three of their sons rest together in the Lincoln Tomb, which became an important historic site in 1960.

Design and layout

The Lincoln Tomb is built from granite and has a tall, 117-foot obelisk in the middle. It also has a semicircular entrance and a terrace that used to be open to visitors but is now closed for safety.

Inside, the tomb has a round room with marble walls and a ceiling made of palladium leaf. The burial room has black and white marble walls and a ceiling covered in gold leaf. In the center stands a large marble block with Lincoln's name and the years he lived. The tomb holds the remains of Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their sons: Edward, Willie, and Tad.

Adjacent memorials

Near the Lincoln Tomb, there are three memorials for wars.

The World War II Illinois Veterans Memorial was dedicated in December 2004. It honors the many Illinois men and women who served in World War II. The center of the memorial is a large white globe made of concrete, with buttons for important battles and quotes from leaders.

The Korean War Memorial was dedicated on June 16, 1996. It honors those from Illinois who were lost during the Korean War. The memorial features a tall bronze bell on a granite base, with figures representing different parts of the armed services.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in 1988. It honors Illinoisans who were lost or missing during the Vietnam War. The memorial has a circular design with granite slabs listing names.