Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is buried in Springfield, Illinois, at the Lincoln Tomb, a magnificent monument located within Oak Ridge Cemetery. This impressive structure serves as the final resting place for Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four sons, Edward, William, and Thomas (Tad).
The Lincoln Tomb, designed by sculptor Larken G. Mead, was constructed between 1869 and 1874. However, due to structural issues caused by the earth settling beneath it, a complete reconstruction was necessary starting in 1901. This was followed by a second major reconstruction in 1930 to address both internal and external deterioration, with President Herbert Hoover dedicating the renovated tomb. These reconstructions highlight the importance and enduring legacy of the Lincoln Tomb as a national monument.
Inside the tomb, visitors will find a memorial that marks the precise location of Lincoln’s burial vault. Surrounding this monument are nine State flags, each representing states significant to Lincoln’s life and presidency. The foyer features a bronze replica of the iconic Daniel Chester French statue of Lincoln, the same statue that graces the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., forging a symbolic link between these national landmarks. Corridors leading to and from the burial chamber are adorned with statuettes that chronicle significant moments and figures in Lincoln’s distinguished career.
The exterior of the Lincoln Tomb is equally striking. Built with dressed granite from Quincy, Massachusetts, it rises to a height of 117 feet. As visitors approach, they are greeted by a large, imposing head of Lincoln, sculpted by Gutzon Borglum, the artist renowned for Mount Rushmore. Four flights of granite steps ascend to a terrace encircled by thirty-seven shields, each bearing the name of a state that was part of the Union when the tomb was originally built. Additional state names are inscribed in the granite at the rear, reflecting the growth of the nation. At each corner of the terrace stand four bronze statuary groups by Larken G. Mead, representing the different branches of the Civil War fighting forces. A prominent statue of Lincoln stands atop a square granite pedestal at the front of the obelisk, and a bronze plaque depicting the US coat of arms and symbolizing the Constitution adorns the pedestal’s face. Adding an international dimension, a fragment of the ancient Roman Servian Wall, dating back to 578 B.C., is attached to the obelisk, a gift from the people of Rome to honor President Lincoln.
Visiting the Lincoln Tomb offers a profound opportunity to reflect on the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Located in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois, it is not just a burial site but a monument that encapsulates his enduring impact on American history. For those seeking to pay their respects and learn more about this pivotal figure, understanding where Abraham Lincoln is buried leads directly to this significant historical landmark.
