This past fall my husband and I spent one day in Springfield, Illinois learning all about one of our nations greatest presidents: Abraham Lincoln. While Abraham Lincoln has many ties to other states in our country, it was Springfield, Illinois where he married, raised his family, began his law practice, and ran for the President of the United States. There is so much to see and do in Springfield, one day was not enough to cover it all. I have previously covered the Lincoln Home and the Lincoln Presidential Museum, today's post is all about the Lincoln Tomb and Historic Springfield.
Abraham Lincoln is buried Oak Ridge Cemetery along with his wife and three sons. His oldest son is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. We were disappointed that the monument was under renovation when we were there (the story of our lives) so we couldn't get any great photos because scaffolding was in the way. But, we understand the importance of preserving these national treasures.
The monument and tomb feature many important architectural symbols on the exterior. The obelisk is an ancient Egyptian symbol for leadership. A statue of Lincoln holding The Emancipation Proclamation in his hand stands at the base of the obelisk. The monument also includes four bronze statues acknowledging the service of soldiers during the Civil War: Infantry, Artillery, Cavalry, and Navy. At the final base of the upper deck is a chain of unbroken links that lists the initials of each state in the Union.
There is a huge bust of Lincoln's head outside his tomb. The finish on the nose has been rubbed off by visitors (which is permitted, our tour guide instructed us to rub his nose) because legend has it that rubbing his nose brings good luck.
To our surprise, you couldn't enter the tomb without a guide. The guide begins at the bust, tells you to rub Lincoln's nose, then offers to take your photo before taking you inside the tomb.
The interior of the monument features several bronze statues of Abraham Lincoln that show guests different stages and roles of his professional life. It is constructed of marble and contains a rotunda, a burial room, and connecting corridors.
There are four bronze tablets on the walls engraved with Lincoln's Farewell Address, the Gettysburg Address, a portion of the Second Inaugural Address (pictured below), and a biographical sketch.
The tombs of Lincoln's wife and three of his sons are located across from Lincoln's tomb.
The burial room features black and white marble and a ceiling of gold leaf. The memorial monument is a seven ton reddish marble inscribed with Lincoln's name, and the years he lived. Lincoln's body is buried about ten feet below and thirty inches behind the monument. Nine flags are arranged in a semi circle around the monument. Seven of the flags commemorate the homes of Lincoln and his ancestors. The eight and nine flags are U.S. flag and the Presidential flag.
In between visiting the Lincoln Home and the Lincoln Presidential Museum we had to grab lunch. There is a restaurant inside the museum, but we preferred grabbing a bite in the historic downtown. On our way to lunch, we saw the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices
It is such a cool, vintage building. I love how they left the "dry goods" advertising on the building.
The hustling and bustling historic Springfield is loaded with nice restaurants and shops.
The Old State Capitol was built in 1837-1840 and served as the State House from 1840-1876, when it was replaced by the current State Capitol.
I hope you enjoyed my visit to the Land of Lincoln. Next week is Thanksgiving week, so I'll be taking that week off and I will continue with my fall vacation with a meet up with my kids and grandkids in Turkey Run State Park, Indiana!
Pictured below is the Springfield Union Station. It is a former train station which is now operated by the Presidential Museum and Library. It opened in 1898 and operated until 1971. It is registered on the National Register of Historic Places. The New Clock Tower was constructed in 2006 to replicate the tower removed in 1946.
Have A Great Day! Amy
Interesting post Amy, and that wonderful blue sky is a perfect backdrop. Thanks for linking
ReplyDeleteThanks Gail!
DeleteGreat pictures of Springfield, I recognize many of them from downtown. We have not visited the Lincoln Tomb yet, need to put that on the list for next time we are down there. We too always seem to visit sites when they are under construction.
ReplyDeletePS: Your sunflower card was selected as a top pick from the entries to the I spy challenge which comes with an invitation to guest design, if you like to :)
Thank you. Yes, it is definitely a must stop if ever in Springfield. I'm glad I'm not only the only one who tends to see things while under renovation. That is great news about the sunflower card, and I'd love to guest design.
DeleteThat tour sounds really neat; and it looks like another beautiful day of exploring.
ReplyDeleteIt is really neat. You learn so much more by taking a tour. I'm glad a free tour guide was there.
DeleteVery interesting as I have never visited or been there, so now I also know something about the tomb
ReplyDeleteThanks for participating and sharing your post at ES #WW #54 (Words welcome). See you at #55 https://esmesalon.com/tag/wordlesswednesday/
Yes, all the details are fascinating to me.
DeleteThe white obelisk against the blue sky looks striking to me, and the tomb looks interesting inside.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteMy hubby loves learning about Abe Lincoln and Springfield looks like a charming place to visit! We'll have to add it as a future road trip stop!
ReplyDeleteAbe Lincoln is a fascinating character and played such an important in our history. Springfield is worth a stop.
DeleteWhat an amazing place and a beautiful tomb to a great man. I would love to visit there. Thanks for sharing these photos.
ReplyDeleteIt really is, and he sure was! I hope you can visit it sometime. You're welcome.
DeleteThank you for taking us on this tour with you. Great photos and information! We appreciate you sharing it with us at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party #65. I hope you will join us again this Friday, December 6th for party #66. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Thanks so much!
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