The President’s coffin finally reaches Springfield on May 3, 1865, where neighbors gather at his home, now arrayed in black crepe.
The original burial plan calls for Lincoln to be interred on a six acre plot in downtown Springfield, but Mary insists at the last minute that her husband’s wish was to rest in Oak Ridge Cemetery. On May 4, Lincoln and his son are placed in a temporary receiving crypt at the foot of a hill in the cemetery.
The scene in Philadelphia is typical, with spectators lining the streets and small boys perched in trees, all intent on saying farewell to their dead leader.
Lincoln’s favorite horse – “Old Bob” – is also present at the final farewell.
Photography Book
On April 21, a special nine car funeral train departs Washington carrying the bodies of both the President and his son Willie on a thirteen day journey back to Springfield. The route chosen mirrors Lincoln’s route in 1861 from Illinois to DC. This takes the train through seven states, and includes eleven formal ceremonies, attended by thousands of mourners. In each case, the coffin is taken off the train and placed on an elaborate hooded catafalque which is drawn through the streets by horses draped in black blankets.
Abraham Lincoln