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.