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

Building the Lincoln Tomb

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, June 17, 2011

1. Building the Lincoln Tomb Marker

Inscription. On April 24, 1865, several associates of Abraham Lincoln formed the National Lincoln Monument Association to raise funds for and build a fitting memorial over the president's grave. An 1868 competition chose the monument design of sculptor Larking G. Mead, Jr. A year later the association had raised more than $170,000 in donations, and construction began. President Ulysses S. Grant dedicated the tomb on October 15, 1874. The monument association managed the tomb until 1895, when the last of the members deeded the structure to the State of Illinois.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Cemeteries & Burial Sites. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 24, 1865.

Location. 39° 49.378′ N, 89° 39.346′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. It is in Oak Ridge. It can be reached from Monument Avenue 0.3 miles north of West Oak Ridge Street, on the left when traveling north. Marker is in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal

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address: 1500 Monument Avenue, Springfield IL 62702, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Reconstruction and Renovation (a few steps from this marker); Abraham Lincoln's Tomb (a few steps from this marker); The Temporary Vault (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lincoln Tomb Custodian's Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); First Resting Place of Abraham Lincoln (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Receiving Vault (about 400 feet away); This Vault (about 400 feet away); John Riley Tanner (1844 - 1901) (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

Other markers no longer nearby. Temporary Tombs (was here, next to this marker

Lincoln Tomb Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, June 17, 2011

2. Lincoln Tomb Monument

but has been confirmed missing); The Grave of Abraham Lincoln (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); Some Exterior Features (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing); The Lincoln Descendants (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).

The Emancipation Proclamation image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean D. Jones, January 9, 2020

3. The Emancipation Proclamation

On the monument

Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,108 times since then and 35 times this year. Last updated on July 15, 2026, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 31, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on January 9, 2020, by Sean D. Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.