Springfield, the Tomb

I honestly can't say which was better; getting to see Lincoln's house or his tomb. They are both amazing locations with tons of history, and they are both places I have dreamed of visiting for many years. 

I wasn't able to get a picture of the outside of his tomb. There were 2 factors at play; one that was out of my control (the sun was shining too brightly) and the other involving a certain someone being way more into catching every detail of the tomb and the experience than paying attention to what setting my camera was on. Oops!

So, here is one I borrowed from Google. Isn't it grand? Andrew and I both rubbed his nose on the statue in the foreground. Apparently people think it is lucky to rub his nose and you can see that many, many people have done just that. I don't think it's lucky, but I couldn't pass up the chance to rub it myself!

This door is on the back of the tomb. I loved the detail on the bars.

When you walk around inside you come across a number of little statues like these four in nooks at the corners. They represent different parts of his life. You can see that he was younger in two of these as he doesn't have a beard. 

Finally, you turn a corner, and there it is; his tombstone. His coffin is in a steel cage 10 feet deep and is encased in the concrete of the floor to prevent any further attempts to steal his body. 

Also buried here are his wife, Mary Todd, and 3 of his four sons. (His eldest, Robert, is buried at Arlington per his wife's wishes.)

Even with all the people there, it truly was a peaceful place. Someday I would like to go back, maybe in the spring or fall, and take the time to wander around and see the other graves. We didn't take the time to do that and I wish we had. But, lunch was calling and the temperature was rising. Something for another time.

 I have visited a number of cemeteries (I enjoy the history and peace they provide.) but this one ranks right up at the top. It is a beautiful and peaceful location and the honor of being able to see Abraham Lincoln's tomb is something I will never forget.