Remembering America’s greatest funeral
Old State Capitol offers free presentation Feb. 7 on Lincoln’s historic funeral

[February 05, 2015]  SPRINGFIELD – With the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s death approaching quickly, the Old State Capitol State Historic Site is hosting a presentation about the president’s massive funeral, sometimes called the greatest funeral in American history.

The free event features a speech by expert Todd VanBeck and a replica of Lincoln’s coffin in the same room where Lincoln gave his “House Divided” speech and where his body lay in state the day before his burial. President and Mrs. Lincoln’s favorite desserts will be served.

The event runs 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Old State Capitol. Reservations are required and can be obtained by calling 217-544-4646. It is presented in cooperation with Butler Funeral Homes and Cremation Tribute Center.

After Lincoln died on April 15, 1865, his body lay in state at the White House and the U.S. Capitol. It then made a slow journey to Springfield by train, with 11 stops along the way for the remains to lie in state in different cities. The funeral train passed through 444 communities in seven states.

Lincoln was finally laid to rest in Springfield on May 4.

Some seven million people viewed Lincoln’s body or watched the funeral train pass by on its 12-day trip to Springfield, leading some to call the event the greatest funeral in American history.

In “The Assassination and Funeral of President Abraham Lincoln,” VanBeck will cover the days just before Lincoln’s death, the conspiracy to kill him and the preparations for his grand funeral.

Community groups in Springfield plan to re-enact the procession to the cemetery and Lincoln’s funeral on May 3.

Butler Funeral Homes is proud to partner with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, whose mission is to Preserve and interpret the state’s diverse heritage. In Springfield, the agency operates the Old State Capitol, Lincoln Tomb, Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, Dana-Thomas House, Vachel Lindsay Home and three war memorials.

[Chris Wills, Illinois Hisitoric Preservation Agency]