Westfield in Chautauqua County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Lincoln-Bedell Statue Park
Established July 10, 1999
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, April 21, 2013
1. The Lincoln-Bedell Statue Park Marker
The meeting of President-Elect Abraham Lincoln and his famous corresponent, twelve-year-old Grace Bedell took place on February 16, 1861, in Westfield at the train station. Prior to this, Grace had penned a letter to Lincoln suggesting that whiskers would improve his appearance. At their meeting, Lincoln shook her hand, kissed Grace, and asked her how she liked the improvements she had advised.The statues are the work of sculptor Don Sottile, a native of Westfield. The bronze casting took place at the Fireworks Foundry, Penn Yann, upstate New York.
Westfield is most grateful to town historian Billie Dibble for the inspiration and Dr. Kent L. Brown for guiding the project through to completion.
Erected 1999.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Lincoln 1861 Inaugural Train Stops series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1868.
Location. 42° 19.321′ N, 79° 34.704′ W. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. In Memoriam (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory (within shouting distance of this marker); McClurg Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Presbyterian Church and Society (about 500 feet away); The Mack House (approx. ¼ mile away); Harriet Campbell-Taylor House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Early Settlers of Portland, Westfield & Ripley (approx. 0.6 miles away); These Concord Grape Vines (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Westfield.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. Grace Bedell Billings at FindAGrave.com. (Submitted on April 23, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
2. The Advice of a Little Girl. (Submitted on May 24, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Abraham Lincoln meets Grace Bedell. (Submitted on May 24, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, April 21, 2013
2. The Lincoln-Bedell Statue Park Marker
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, April 21, 2013
3. The Lincoln-Bedell Statues
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, April 21, 2013
4. Lincoln in Westfield sign
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, April 21, 2013
5. Westfield Civil War Monument
Located behind the statue of Abraham Lincoln
In honor of the Chautauqua County Regiments that fought in the American Civil War
1861-1865
9th NY Volunteer Cavalry
49th NY Volunteer Infantry
72nd NY Volunteer Infantry
112th NY Volunteer Infantry
154th NY Volunteer Infantry
1st US Sharpshooters
In honor of the Chautauqua County Regiments that fought in the American Civil War
1861-1865
9th NY Volunteer Cavalry
49th NY Volunteer Infantry
72nd NY Volunteer Infantry
112th NY Volunteer Infantry
154th NY Volunteer Infantry
1st US Sharpshooters
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, April 21, 2013
6. Westfield Civil War Monument
Credits. This page was last revised on May 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,019 times since then and 144 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 22, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
