Historic walk around Lincoln’s Tomb

Travel is currently discouraged. Walking however is encouraged! So, I headed to nearby Oak Ridge Cemetery and went for a historic walk around Lincoln’s Tomb! Enjoy this visual trip around Lincoln’s Tomb!

This State Historic Site is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln. His wife Mary, and three of their four sons: Edward, William, and Thomas (known as “Tad”) are also there. The site is currently closed. But you can still enjoy walking about and see the architecture and beauty of the location.

A new discovery!

I have walked the Land of Lincoln numerous times. However, I had never noticed the Custodian Residence, which looks like a castle. The building was a custodian’s residence built in 1895. For 75 years, custodians lived in the building taking care of the tomb and the grounds. Culver Stone Company of Springfield, built both the original building and addition. Today the building is office space.

Lincoln's Tomb
The former Custodian Residence.

Down the hill is the Temporary Vault

Lincoln's tomb

Down the hill is the temporary receiving vault that held the bodies of President Abraham Lincoln and his sons Edward and William. They were placed here from December 1865 until September 1871. There are many stories and mysteries surrounding Lincoln. One story that is true is that in 1876 an attempt was made to steal his body and hold it for ransom. The attempt was not successful. This attempt however made a difference when the tomb was rebuilt thirty years later. They buried Lincoln under many feet of concrete.

The Chimes

Lincoln's tomb
Lovely chimes is just another item to walk by.

Another cool item at the bottom of the hill that I enjoyed viewing on my walk was a tower of Melodies and Chimes. The tower was given in memory of Robert and Pauline Grae Day by their daughter. The relic is preserved in Abraham Lincoln’s memory and there is a bronze plaque stating this structure was erected in 1900.

Lincoln’s Tomb, an architectural beauty

Lincoln's tomb.
Lincoln’s tomb, the nose has been rubbed so many times that you can see where it is worn.

My walk took me past Lincoln’s tomb, which is an architectural wonder. The state website shares, “…The Tomb, designed by sculptor Larkin Mead, is constructed of brick sheathed with Quincy granite.”

While I was walking, I spied a runner near the set of double stairs. I was impressed by the 117-foot-tall obelisk. The obelisk is near four bronze sculpture groups. Each of the bronzes represent one of the four Civil War military services—infantry, artillery, cavalry, and navy.

Perhaps the most famous icon, and my favorite, at Lincoln’s tomb is the bronze reproduction of Gutzon Borglum’s marble head of Lincoln. The original is displayed in Washington, D.C.

The tomb, the custodian residence, the vault and the chimes. All these made for a lovely and historic walk. Signage offers a bit of history so even with the tomb currently closed, you can still learn a thing or two. Once the tomb is open, come back and learn more. Until then, I hope this visual visit offered a bit of insight into Lincoln’s resting place!

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