Thursday, April 7, 2016

THE FINAL RESTING PLACE FOR PRESIDENT LINCOLN

Tuesday, April 5 – With cold weather and even SNOW predicted for Ohio, we've extended our stay here at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, IL. That also gives us some time to slow down and get some projects completed on the RV.

Paul replaced the sewer hose that had rotted from the sun. Luckily he found it falling apart BEFORE he dumped the sewer. He also checked all the tires and adjusted the air pressure considering the much colder temperatures. He had adjusted the tires in Houston when the temperature was 85*, today it is the low 40's. Surprisingly, they didn't need too much adjusting. He did find out his tire pressure gauge isn't reading correctly. He has one on the air compressor but will need to purchase another one in order to check the pressure when not using the compressor.

Today was the Cleveland Indians opener (postponed from yesterday due to inclement weather), so we shortened our sightseeing day to watch the game. Another good reason to extend our stay here in Springfield. Sadly, the Tribe lost Sad smile.

We did visit Lincoln's Tomb State Historical Site this morning. The 117-foot tall Lincoln Tomb is constructed of granite quarried at Quincy, Massachusetts. The names of the 37 states were inscribed in the terrace-level (not opened to the public) during construction; other state's names were included as they were created.

Lincoln's Tomb

At the corners of the shaft, large pedestals serve as bases for four bronze sculptures, each with a group of figures representing one of the four Civil War military services—infantry, artillery, cavalry, and navy. The military groups were cast in part with metal from sixty-fix cannons donated by the U.S. government.

Lincoln Tomb

Lincoln Tomb

When Marsha went to snap the next photo, a visitor landed on the finger of one of the men.
Lincoln Tomb

Lincoln Tomb

What a moving experience. We learned, due to his unexpected death, his body was moved three times before finally being entombed in the monument. The monument is very nice. The entire family's remains are buried here with the exception of the oldest son, Robert. He is the only Lincoln child to live to adulthood and is buried at Arlington Cemetery in Washington, DC.

Designed by famed sculptor, Larkin Mead completed in 1874, this beautiful landmark is nestled in Oak Ridge Cemetery and is surpassed only by Arlington as the most visited cemetery in the nation.

Lincoln's Tomb

At the entrance to the tomb is a bronze bust of Mr. Lincoln. Visitors from around the world have stopped to rub the nose of the statue for good luck, as evidenced by the shiny condition of the statue's nose.

Lincoln's Tomb

We learned that there are no more Lincoln’s in the ancestry line. Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith is the last.

Lincoln's Tomb

Lincoln’s remains rest in a concrete vault ten feet below the marble floor of the burial chamber.

Lincoln tomb

Crypts in the chamber’s south wall hold the remains of Mary, Edward, Willie and Tad Lincoln.

Lincoln's Tomb

Lincoln's Tomb

In the entrance way, is a replica done by the same artist, Daniel Chester French, who sculptured the Lincoln Memorial in Washing DC. The docent showed us some features that many people miss. One that really stood out to us was that President Lincoln is actually sitting on an American flag. The symbolism is that he would do anything to protect the United States.

Lincoln's Tomb

There are many, many other statues that represent Lincoln’s life.

Lincoln's Tomb

We also visited the two other burial sites that Lincoln's remains were entombed prior to the completion of his final resting place. Both are located just over the hill behind the current tomb.

Lincoln's Tomb

The past and the present.
Lincoln's Tomb

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!

14 comments:

  1. Especially enjoyed your narrative on Lincoln's Tomb Historical Site as it was surrounded by orange construction tape and being refurbished when we visited. Didn't know either that the Lincoln line ended with Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith.

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  2. It's always nice to have some extra time:) No sense hurrying to cold Ohio.

    Sorry to hear about your Indians:(

    The burial site was quite moving.

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  3. Thanks again for the tour. Don't rush home stay where it is warmer, wish we could have.

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  4. Good tour.....
    You should have stayed south a little longer, 80 here today

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  5. Again, loving your tour. Wonder where that sparrow is going to build his nest?

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  6. Glad you walked over the hill. We've had friends that didn't know that was there.

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  7. These posts have been a really good history lesson. So much better than ready a history book.

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  8. Very interesting place. And you're wise to put off going back to Ohio just yet.

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  9. Enjoyed reading your Lincoln post and the great pictures. We grew up about 45 miles south of Springfield and have visited Salem and the area a number of times. We also rubbed his nose about 60 years ago and I'm surprised it hasn't been worn off.

    Have fun out there.

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  10. The story of his final resting place is sure interesting.

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  11. Catching up on blogs while watching the Royals tonight. You are having a great time in Springfield. We really want to visit Springfield now.

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  12. I found the cemetery and the tomb a very moving experience. . .glad you are there experiencing it all. . .

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  13. Another great tour. Nice that they accommodate shorties like us with a step so we can reach Lincoln's nose ;-) I recall seeing Robert's grave at Arlington ... it's set in a garden not far from Arlington House at the top of the hill.

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