Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Abraham Lincoln's Funeral Train
May 3, 1865, 9:00 A.M.
Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 27, 2020
1. Abraham Lincoln's Funeral Train Marker
At this site, countless mourners stood in solemn witness as the Chicago & Alton Railroad Engine No. 58 arrived pulling the funeral train carrying the remains of Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States.
Erected 2010 by City of Springfield.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 3, 1865.
Location. 39° 48.14′ N, 89° 39.102′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. Marker is on South 3rd Street south of East Jefferson Street (Illinois Route 97), on the right when traveling north. Marker is located at the Springfield Amtrak train station. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 S 3rd St, 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. Lincoln's Final Journey (within shouting distance of this marker); Brunwick's Billiard Hall (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Sangamon County Courthouse (about 500 feet away); Joshua Speed's Store (about 600 feet away); Globe Tavern (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Globe Tavern
this page online
Also see . . .
1. The Route of Abraham Lincoln’s Funeral Train. Excerpt:
Abraham Lincoln's funeral train left Washington on April 21, 1865. It would essentially retrace the 1,654 mile route Mr. Lincoln had traveled as president-elect in 1861 (with the deletion of Pittsburgh and Cincinnati and the addition of Chicago). ... The Lincoln Special, whose engine had Mr. Lincoln's photograph over the cowcatcher, carried approximately 300 mourners. ... A Guard of Honor accompanied Mr. Lincoln’s remains on the Lincoln Special. ... The following information summarizes the martyred president's final journey home.(Submitted on April 30, 2022.)
2. PDF: Abraham Lincoln: His Life, Public Services, Death and Great Funeral Cortege ... By John Carroll. 1889 book,458 pages. Excerpt:
Long previous to the time appointed for their arrival, crowds were collected at the depot of the Chicago & Alton Railroad, and extended along the line of the road several(Submitted on April 30, 2022.)squares north. Every building in the vicinity was covered with spectators. Hundreds of men who could not find standing or sitting room near the depot, walked up Fourth and Fifth streets to the crossing near the northern limits of the city. Every class of people was represented in the assembled multitude. ...Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 27, 20202. Abraham Lincoln's Funeral Train MarkerThe marker location is indicated by the arrow.
As soon as the funeral car came along side of the depot, the coffin was transferred to the beautiful hearse which had been tendered for the occasion by Messrs. Lynch & Arnot of St. Louis ... it additionally ornamented with a silver plate engraving of the initials “A. L.” around which was a silver wreath with two inverted torches and thirty-six silver stars, representing the States of the Union. It was drawn by six superb black horses, draped in mourning, and wearing plumes on their crests.
Map by John Carroll Power from his book, 1889
3. Map Showing the Great Funeral Cortege of Abraham Lincoln
Engraving by J. G. Buttre NY (Public Domain) from the photo by M. B. Brady, frontispiece in John C. Power book
4. “A. Lincoln”
the Chicago and Alton Railroad Company, via the Library of Congress, May 2, 1865
5. Time Table for the Special Train, Chicago to Springfield
“... conveying the funeral cortege with the remains of the late President ...” Arrival in Springfield shown as 6:30 A.M. “All other trains of this Road must be kept thirty minutes out of the way of the time of this Train.”
Credits. This page was last revised on May 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 9, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 466 times since then and 39 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week May 1, 2022. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 9, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 3, 4. submitted on April 30, 2022, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5. submitted on April 30, 2022.
