Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Lincoln Tomb Custodian's Residence

By Sean Jones, January 9, 2020

1. The Lincoln Tomb Custodian's Residence Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Shortly after accepting ownership of the Lincoln tomb, the State of Illinois constructed this building. Built in 1895 and enlarged a few years later, it served for more than seventy-five years as a residence for those in charge of the tomb and surrounding grounds. The castle-like design reflects the then-popular Gothic architectural style that Governor John P. Altgeld insisted be used for new state government buildings. Today the former residence houses site offices.

[Caption:]
The custodian's residence as it looked in 1896. A few years later it was almost doubled in size and a porch was added, creating the building you see today. Culver Stone Company of Springfield, headed by James S. Culver, carried out both projects.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.

Location. 39° 49.388′ N, 89° 39.392′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Monument Avenue and West Oak Ridge Street, on

By Jason Voigt, September 27, 2020

2. The Lincoln Tomb Custodian's Residence Marker

Click or scan to see
this page online

the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. The Grave of Abraham Lincoln (within shouting distance of this marker); Temporary Tombs (within shouting distance of this marker); Building the Lincoln Tomb (within shouting distance of this marker); Some Exterior Features (within shouting distance of this marker); Reconstruction and Renovation (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lincoln Descendants (within shouting distance of this marker); The Temporary Vault (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Abraham Lincoln's Tomb (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2020. This page has been viewed 79 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 9, 2020. 2. submitted on November 9, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.