The Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site contains the burial chamber and an obelisk monument dedicated to the life and death of Abraham Lincoln. Explore the spacious grounds and admire the stonemasonry of the tomb’s structure as you pay respects to the legacy of one of America’s most notable presidents. See a collection of sculptures and statues, as well as plaques inscribed with quotes from some of Lincoln’s most famous speeches.
After his assassination on April 15, 1865, Lincoln’s remains were brought to his hometown of Springfield, Illinois for a funeral procession befitting of his legacy. The Lincoln Monument was erected over the Lincoln Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery, in order to preserve the memory of the leader. See the gleaming white obelisk standing tall over the lawns of the cemetery as you walk up the gentle hillside. Take a moment to walk around the granite-encased tomb and check out the elegant mid 19th-century ornamentation. The semi-circular projects on two sides of the tomb are flanked with sets of stairs, which lead up onto the platform and the base of the obelisk.
Admire the platform’s four bronze sculpture groupings, which represent the Civil War military services of the infantry, the artillery, the cavalry and the navy. On the southern side of the platform you’ll see a valiant bronze statue of Lincoln himself.
Enter the tomb to find a magnificent interior finished with smooth polished marble and bronze. Walk through to the rotunda and the corridors displaying a series of Lincoln statues and plaques. These relay excerpts from Lincoln’s Springfield Farewell Address, the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address. You’ll see an enormous granite cenotaph marking the spot where Lincoln’s remains lie. To the south, crypts contain the remains of his wife, Mary, and three of his sons.
The Lincoln Tomb is located in the tranquil grounds of Oak Ridge Cemetery, a little over 10-minutes’ drive from downtown Springfield. Spend some time strolling around the peaceful grounds, which is open daily until late in the evening. The Lincoln Tomb is free to visit during the day and accessible to visitors with disabilities.
