Lincoln’s Tomb in Springfield has attracted millions of visitors since its dedication in 1874. The tomb is the final resting place for President Lincoln, his wife Mary Lincoln, and three of the Lincoln’s four sons: Edward, William and Thomas. Robert Lincoln, the oldest of the four sons, is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Originally, the National Lincoln Monument Association, composed of fifteen of Lincoln’s closest Illinois friends, developed plans to build a tomb and monument to the President in downtown Springfield. At the request of Mary Lincoln, Oak Ridge Cemetery was chosen to ensure the President was laid to rest in a “quiet place.” The cemetery at the time was located in a rural setting just north of the city of Springfield.

The tomb was designed by sculptor Larkin Mead and is 117 feet tall, featuring four large bronze sculptures memorializing the four Civil War military service branches.

Today, Oak Ridge Cemetery is the nation’s second most visited cemetery, attracting school groups, families and international visitors who come to pay tribute to the 16th President.

Learn more:
History of the Tomb – Lincoln’s Tomb
Lincoln Tomb Highlights – Abraham Lincoln Online
Springfield’s Oak Ridge Cemetery