Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Receiving Vault
The receiving vault was built following Oak Ridge Cemetery's dedication made in 1860. The vault served as a temporary tomb while burial plans were made or if a grave could not be dug to frozen ground. Most likely it had been used for interments prior to 1865.
On May 4, 1865, nineteen days after his death, the body of President Abraham Lincoln was placed here along with that of his son Willie, who had died at age eleven in the White House on February 20, 1862. The casket bearing his remains was carried to Springfield on the funeral train of the assassinated president.
On December 21, 1865, the two caskets were moved to a temporary vault located about half-way up the hillside to your left. A week earlier the remains of another Lincoln son, Edward "Eddie" Baker (1846-1850), had been transferred to the temporary vault. In 1871 the three were finally interred in the Lincoln Tomb at the top of the hill.
According to cemetery records, the receiving vault was used at least twelve times from 1866 to 1873, when its use was discontinued. Conveyed to the State of Illinois in 1846, the vault is today administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency as part of the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1781.
Location. 39° 49.338′ N, 89° 39.288′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. The marker is located on the grounds of Oak Ridge Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1441 Monument Avenue, Springfield IL 62702, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Abraham Lincoln's Tomb (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Lincoln Descendants (about 300 feet away); Reconstruction and Renovation (about 300 feet away); Some Exterior Features (about 300 feet away); Building the Lincoln Tomb (about 400 feet away); Temporary Tombs (about 400 feet away); The Grave of Abraham Lincoln (about 400 feet away); The Temporary Vault (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 634 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 4, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • William J. Toman was the editor who published this page.
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