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Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site

Visit the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, a towering monument to his life and legacy, located in historic Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, IL.

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Pay your respects to Abraham Lincoln at his final resting place in Springfield, Illinois. The Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, located in Oak Ridge Cemetery, features a grand monument with sculptures, statues, and inscriptions from Lincoln's famous speeches. It's a poignant reminder of his life and legacy.

A brief summary to Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site

Local tips

  • The Lincoln Tomb is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but closed on major holidays.
  • Admission to the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site is free.
  • Consider visiting during the spring or fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  • Don't miss the flag-lowering ceremony performed by Civil War reenactors on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. from June through August.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the main entrance of Oak Ridge Cemetery, follow the signs directing you to the Lincoln Tomb. The tomb is located on a hill, and the walk is approximately 0.5 miles. The path is paved and relatively flat, making for an easy walk through the cemetery grounds. As you approach the tomb, you'll see the towering monument rising above the landscape.

  • Public Transport

    Springfield Mass Transit District (SMTD) operates bus routes that stop near Oak Ridge Cemetery. From downtown Springfield, take the SMTD Route 6 or Route 14 to the nearest stop at N Grand Ave and Oak Ridge Cemetery. From the bus stop, walk west into the cemetery, following the signs to the Lincoln Tomb, approximately 0.3 miles away. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Driving

    From downtown Springfield, take N 3rd St/N Grand Ave north. Continue onto N Grand Ave, then turn left onto W. Oak Ridge Cemetery. Continue on Oak Ridge Cemetery Rd, then turn left onto Monument Ave. The Lincoln Tomb will be on your left. Free parking is available adjacent to the tomb. Parking for RVs and large vehicles is also available.

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Discover more about Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site

The Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, nestled within Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois, serves as the final resting place for Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons. Dedicated in 1874, the tomb stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of America's most revered presidents. The 117-foot tall granite tomb, designed by sculptor Larkin G. Mead, features impressive Lincoln statuary. Visitors often pause to rub the nose of the evocative bronze bust of Lincoln at the entrance, a sculpture by Gutzon Borglum, who also created the Lincoln rendition at Mount Rushmore. Inside, bronze statues depict various aspects of Lincoln's life, accompanied by excerpts from his most famous speeches. A circular hallway leads to the marble burial chamber, where Secretary of War Edwin Stanton's famous words, "Now he belongs to the ages," command attention. A red granite marker stands over the area where Lincoln's coffin lies, a substitute for the original white marble sarcophagus. Lincoln's body rests below the floor in a steel and concrete-reinforced vault. Oak Ridge Cemetery, where the tomb is located, was dedicated in 1860, five years before Lincoln's assassination. After Lincoln's death in 1865, his Illinois friends sought permission to bury him in Springfield, forming an association to build the tomb, which was dedicated in 1874. The site has undergone several rebuilds and restorations since its creation. Visiting the Lincoln Tomb offers a chance to reflect on the life and sacrifices of Abraham Lincoln and the impact of the Civil War. The surrounding Oak Ridge Cemetery provides a serene atmosphere for contemplation and remembrance.

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