Lincoln's Horse
Looking for Lincoln
When Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, on April 9, 1865,joyous citizens decorated Lincoln's horse, Old Bob, with flags and led him triumphantly through the streets of Springfield. A week later, on April 14, Lincoln was shot and died the next day. On May 5, Old Bob was again decorated---this time in a black mourning blanket---and marched through Springfield for the last time as part of his former owner's funeral procession. Here, Old Bob stands in mourning garb in front of the family home on Jackson Street.
Simple chores had important cultural significance for men in Lincoln's day. A neighbor reports that Lincoln "kept his own horse---fed and curried it,---fed and milked his own cow." It was customary for men of all stripes to care for horses, but for those from Southern backgrounds (which in pre-Civil War Illinois was the majority---including Lincoln) milking was strictly women's work. In following the New England custom of men milking, Lincoln reflected a willingness to adopt "Yankee" attitudes that some of his Southern neighbors found degrading. No one could fault him on cultural grounds, however, over horses. His bodyguard claimed Lincoln was "passionately fond of fine Horses." His opponents ridiculed his appearance in the saddle as being
awkward. But Lincoln was apparently a skilled rider. He matched the horsemanship of dashing Gen. George B. McClellan at troop reviews during the Civil War---much to the General's dismay. And years after Lincoln was dead, no less an expert on horsemanship than Gen. Ulysses S. Grant proclaimed that Lincoln was indeed "a fine horseman." having easily handled Grant's own mount, Cincinnati.Lincoln "loved his horse well."
So said Lincoln's next-door neighbor, James Gourley. Lincoln owned several horses over the years---Tom, Belle, Old Buck, and finally Robin, whom Lincoln nicknamed "Old Bob" to distinguish him from his son Robert, "Young Bob." Old Buck and Old Bob, in particular, spent long hours trodding across many miles of Illinois prairie during the years when their owner was a circuit riding lawyer. A fellow lawyer once described Lincoln riding to court "behind his own horse, which was an indifferent, raw boned specimen." This was probably Old Buck, as others described Old Bob as a "pretty horse" of "bright reddish brown." When Lincoln visited Springfield in 1836, his horse strayed or was stolen. It is not known if he got it back. He was still a resident of New Salem at the time.
Newspaper Ad
Strayed or Stolen
From a stable in Springfield, on Wednesday, 18th last, a large bay horse, star on his forehead, plainly marked with harness, supposed to
A. Lincoln
Erected by State of Illinois Historic Preservation Agency & Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Looking for Lincoln series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 9, 1865.
Location. 39° 47.905′ N, 89° 38.726′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. Marker is at the intersection of E. Capitol Ave. and 8th Street on E. Capitol Ave.. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Springfield IL 62701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Kenneth Belton (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln and Animals (within shouting distance of this marker); William Beedle House (within shouting distance of this marker); Boyhood Home of Julius Rosenwald (within shouting distance of this marker); Henson Lyon House (within shouting distance of this marker); Mary Lincoln's Family (within shouting distance of this marker); The Children's Lincoln (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Grace Lutheran Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 7, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,165 times since then and 81 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 20, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.