Category Archives: Lincoln Tomb

Lincoln Tomb statuary (original)

Posted on November 18, 2014 by editor

This entry is a lightly edited version of a presentation given by Mark Johnson, historian for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, to the 2014 volunteer dinner hosted by the now-defunct Lincoln Monument Association, a non-profit support group for the Lincoln … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Arts and letters, Historic Sites, Lincoln Tomb, Lincoln, Abraham, Military, National Register | 3 Comments

National Lincoln Monument Association directors, 1865

Posted on November 15, 2014 by editor

The National Lincoln Monument Association, officially organized on May 11, 1865, oversaw fundraising for and construction of Abraham Lincoln’s tomb. Although members originally planned to build the structure on land that now is the site of the Illinois Statehouse, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Historic Sites, Illinois capital, John T. Stuart, Journalism, Lincoln Tomb, Lincoln, Abraham, Local government, Media, Politics, Prominent figures | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Sharon Tyndale murder mystery, 1871

Posted on October 27, 2014 by editor

Sharon Tyndale, Illinois secretary of state from 1865 to 1869, was shot to death the morning of April 29, 1871, in what became Springfield’s most enduring murder mystery of the 19th century. Tyndale was walking on Adams Street to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and vice, Illinois capital, Law enforcement, Lincoln Tomb, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Lincoln Tomb ‘Battle of the Gravesite’

Posted on October 25, 2014 by editor

Today, we take for granted that Lincoln is buried here. But we must remember that the journey from that terrible April day when Lincoln died to the day when he was placed in Oak Ridge’s receiving tomb was a tumultuous … Continue reading →

Posted in Historic Sites, Lincoln Tomb, Presidents, Prominent figures | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Mary Lincoln letters about Lincoln Tomb site

Posted on October 25, 2014 by editor

Below is the text of letters written by Mary Lincoln during a dispute in June 1865 with the National Lincoln Monument Association. The NLMA wanted to build Springfield’s monument to President Abraham Lincoln (and his tomb) on what was called the Mather … Continue reading →

Posted in Historic Sites, Lincoln Tomb, Lincoln, Abraham, Prominent figures | Tagged | 2 Comments

John Carroll Power (historian, Lincoln tomb custodian)

Posted on June 27, 2014 by editor

John Carroll Power (1819-94), was a historian as well as first custodian of the Lincoln Tomb. Born in Kentucky in 1819, Power “was brought up a farmer, but in later life, contrary to his early anticipations, became an author,” according … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and letters, Histories, Lincoln Tomb, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Fleetwood Lindley and the reburial of Abraham Lincoln

Posted on May 5, 2014 by editor

Fleetwood Lindley (1887-1963) was, at the time of his death, the last living person to have seen the face of President Abraham Lincoln. Lindley was 14 years old* on Sept. 26, 1901, the day Lincoln’s casket was opened for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Lincoln Tomb, Lincoln, Abraham | Tagged | 4 Comments

Ansar Shrine leadership, 1914-2014

Posted on May 4, 2014 by editor

The leaders (“potentates”) of Springfield-based Ansar Shrine during its first 100 years included a Springfield mayor, a Springfield First Citizen and the last living person to have viewed the face of Abraham Lincoln. Ansar Shrine was chartered on July 13, … Continue reading →

Posted in Celebrations, First Citizens, Lincoln Tomb, Lincoln, Abraham, Local government, Prominent figures | 1 Comment

Lincoln Tomb reconstruction and rededication, 1930-31

Posted on April 4, 2014 by editor

President Herbert Hoover rededicated the Lincoln Tomb in front of a massive crowd on June 17, 1931. The occasion was the reopening of the tomb following a complete reconstruction, including a new interior. When the memorial was erected in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Celebrations, Historic Sites, Lincoln Tomb, Lincoln, Abraham, National Register, Presidents | Tagged | Leave a comment

Destruction of the Lincoln Tomb sarcophagus

Posted on January 3, 2014 by editor

How did the marble sarcophagus that covered the coffin of Abraham Lincoln in the early years of the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site come to be broken?  Was it a workmen’s accident? Or was it done on purpose by souvenir … Continue reading →

Posted in Historic Sites, Lincoln Tomb, Lincoln, Abraham, Museums, State government | 2 Comments