“Are you ready to rumble? Strap yourself into your seat as this post is one you will most definitely like, and one which will take you some time to absorb.”
“That’s mainly due to the fact that I’ve been to a plethora of sites associated with our 16th President; one who is arguably the greatest President in American history.”
“In the next 290 or so images, you will be treated to my tribute to the life of Abraham Lincoln.”
ABRAHAM LINCOLN BIRTHPLACE NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK – “Located near Hodgenville, Kentucky, the Memorial Building was dedicated in 1911 by President William Howard Taft at the birthplace site of Abraham Lincoln.”
“This is the original spring that emerges from a cave on the property of Lincoln’s Sinking Spring Farm and is near the site where Abe was born just outside of Hodgenville, Kentucky.The Lincoln Farm where Abraham was born got its name from this spring behind me.”
“There were 56 steps leading up to the memorial; representing Lincoln’s age at the time of his death.”
“President Theodore Roosevelt laid the building’s cornerstone in 1909.”
“Here’s an image of TR during the cornerstone ceremony in 1909.”
“Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809 in a one-room cabin similar to this symbolic cabin.”
“It was cool to know that Lincoln was born on this property; but disappointing to discover this cabin was not authentic.”
KNOB CREEK FARM – “When Lincoln was two, the family moved to their Knob Creek Farm where Abraham lived until the age of seven. This farm was located just a few miles from Lincoln’s birthplace outside of Hodgenville, Kentucky.While Lincoln never lived in this cabin, the place was not a replica made with modern materials. Historians believe the cabin may have belonged to the Lincoln’s neighbors and was moved to their Knob Creek Farm site.”
“Lincoln once said his earliest recollection in life was their Knob Creek Farm, and that might’ve been because his younger brother, Thomas Jr., was born and died there.”
“Another early memory for Lincoln from this farm was him nearly drowning in nearby Knob Creek and being rescued by the neighbor’s son.”
LINCOLN BOYHOOD NATIONAL MEMORIAL – “In 1816, Thomas Lincoln moved his family to the Little Pigeon Creek Community near present-day Lincoln City, Indiana. The memorial consists of a visitor center, original home site, replica farm, historical trail, and cemetery.I’m standing on the site where Abraham Lincoln’s boyhood cabin originally stood. Abe lived here with his family from 1816 until 1830.”
“Lincoln worked hard while living at this farm. He read every book he could get his hands on, but hardly ever attended school due to his daily chores.”
“Located just a short distance from the original cabin site was a living farm that represented the cabin and farm where Abraham Lincoln grew up.”
“I saw this representation of Lincoln’s boyhood farm at Lincoln Museum in Springfield, Illinois.”
“Two years after moving to Indiana with her family, Abraham’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, died from milk sickness on October 5, 1818 at the age of 34.”
“Nine-year-old Abraham assisted his father in making Nancy’s coffin by whittling the wooden pegs that held the planks together.Although there was a high wrought-iron fence surrounding Pioneer Cemetery, I was able to stand on Nancy’s headstone thanks to Bob Moldenhauer, who scaled the barricade.”
VANDALIA STATE HOUSE – “Located in Vandalia, Illinois, this was the fourth State House building – built in 1836. Three years later, the Illinois capital was moved to Springfield.”
“I visited this State House on July 22, 2016, even though my photographer hadn’t planned the stop on our agenda. Tom suddenly saw a sign along the expressway and decided to check it out. I was happy he did!”
“Even though the furnishings inside the historic State House weren’t original, it was still an awesome feeling to be where the great Lincoln once walked.”
“This chair I’m standing on represents where Abraham Lincoln sat when he was a legislator in this room.”
“Lincoln was not very popular in Vandalia. Behind those walls behind me, ol’ Abe led the movement to relocate the capital of Illinois to Springfield – which happened in 1839.”
LOGAN COUNTY COURTHOUSE – “From 1840 to 1848, Abraham Lincoln visited this courthouse twice a year as part of his circuit law practice when the town of Postville, Illinois was the Logan County Seat.”
“In 1929, Henry Ford purchased this courthouse, and had it moved to Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan where it resides today.”
“I’m standing inside the original Logan County Courthouse that’s decked-out with courthouse furnishings from the 1840’s. The cabinet behind me, in the corner, was built by Thomas Lincoln with the help of his son Abraham.”
“When Ford bought the Logan County Courthouse in 1929, he had the ground beneath the building dug up and moved to Greenfield Village. Today the courthouse sits on Lincoln, Illinois soil.”
MARY TODD – “On November 4, 1842, the young 23-year-old Mary Todd married Abraham Lincoln, 33, in the Springfield, Illinois home of Ninan and Elizabeth Edwards. Elizabeth was Mary’s older sister. Once Lincoln became involved in politics, Mary became paranoid, and irrationally jealous of those around her husband – and it began to threaten her fragile mind.”
LINCOLN HOME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE – “Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln purchased this Springfield, Illinois house in 1844. It was the only home Lincoln ever owned and he lived there for 17 years.”
“I’m standing at the windowsill of Lincoln’s formal parlor. I was angry at my photographer for not taking me inside.”
“When I posed for this image, it was as though I could see Abraham Lincoln and his sons Willie and Tad as they watched the world go by in front of their home in the summer of 1860.”
“This was the scene I had imagined in my resin mind.”
“On July 28, 2019, which was a little over five years after my first visit, I returned to Springfield for another visit to Lincoln’s home.On this trip, Tom and I were going inside.”
“It seemed great to be back at Lincoln’s home. As I stood on the fence, it was as though I could feel Abe’s presence behind me.”
“While Willie and Tad played on the fence, Abraham invited me inside his home – and it turned out to be a spiritual experience for me.”
“I’m standing in the formal parlor inside Lincoln’s home. The Lincoln’s second child, Eddie, died on February 1, 1850 and his funeral was held in this room.”
“It was also in this formal parlor where Lincoln first learned of his nomination for the Presidency in 1860.”
“This is the Lincoln family room where Abraham loved to read, and Mary Todd sewed.”
“Lincoln’s sons were allowed to play in this room, and they used the stereoscope that’s sitting on the table next to the chess set.”
“I’m standing alongside a period bed in Abraham Lincoln’s bedroom. As customary in the mid-1800’s, husbands and wives slept in separate bedrooms.”
“Even with separate bedrooms, Abe and Mary still managed to have four sons.”
“The desk in the corner of Abe’s bedroom was the last desk he used while in this house. At one point, Lincoln spilled ink on it and Mary threw it out. Abe rescued it from the trash and gave it to a neighbor.”
“Just think, Abraham Lincoln was America’s original ‘Picker’!”
“I’m now standing in Mary Todd’s bedroom. Behind every successful man is a woman, and that was never truer than with the Lincoln’s.”
“This is the back of Lincoln’s home. Abraham walked behind the house to do his normal chores of chopping wood and milking their cow. Their outhouse was located back here as well.”
“Speaking of the outhouse, I am standing in an outhouse that resembled the Lincoln’s ‘throne room”. Due to their large family, Abraham installed three toilets.”
LINCOLN-HERNDON LAW OFFICES – “As a young lawyer in Springfield, Lincoln and partner Stephen T. Logan had their law practice on the building’s third floor in 1843-44.Lincoln continued his law practice with new partner William H. Herndon from 1844 to 1852.”
“The Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices were located across the street from the Old State Capitol Building in Springfield.”
UNITED STATES CAPITOL – “Abraham Lincoln was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as the only Whig delegate from Illinois. He pledged to serve only one term, which he did from 1847 to 1849.”
“This life-like figure of Congressman Lincoln was on display in the Abraham Lincoln Museum in Springfield.”
“I’m standing in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol. In 1847, this was the House of Representatives Chamber and where Lincoln served for one term. During his term, Abe butted heads with President Polk over the Mexican American War. After he demanded Polk show Congress where blood had been spilled on American soil, his resolution was ignored in Congress and Lincoln’s political future was in jeopardy.”
LINCOLN WITH BOY ON BRIDGE – “This 13-foot-tall statue, located in Davenport, Iowa, was erected in Bechtel Park and dedicated on January 7, 2016. In 1856, Lincoln donned his lawyer’s hat and came to Davenport on a fact-finding mission that eventually helped save the Davenport to Rock Island Arsenal Bridge.”
“Lincoln listened to a little boy at the bridge, who was reputed to be the son of the engineer who designed the original bridge. Abe said to the kid: “I’m mighty glad I came out here where I can get a little less opinion, and a little more fact.”
“The case was heard in a Chicago circuit court, and ultimately ended in a hung jury. The bridge was allowed to stay, and Lincoln’s role in the case helped solidify him as a skilled trial attorney.”
OLD STATE CAPITOL – “Located in Springfield, Illinois, Lincoln delivered his famous ‘House Divided’ speech here on June 16, 1858 during his Senate campaign against Stephen A. Douglas.”
“It was an honor for me to stand in the exact spot where Lincoln delivered his ‘House Divided’ speech.”
“This illustration from 1858 depicts Lincoln delivering his famous speech.”
“I’m standing on Lincoln’s desk inside the Old Capitol’s House Chamber, but I seriously doubt this was Abe’s stovepipe hat.”
“I’m standing in the informal 1860 campaign headquarters of Abraham Lincoln. The media came to this room, which was normally the reception room to the Governor.”
“This metal pot once held hot water and was in this room during Lincoln’s campaign.”
“The same metal pot, on the far left of the image, was shown in this newspaper illustration from 1860.”
“This table I’m standing on, located in the Library of the Old State Capitol building, was where Lincoln drafted his ‘House Divided’ speech.”
GREAT WESTERN RAILROAD DEPOT – “Located just two blocks from his home in Springfield, Illinois, Lincoln delivered his Farewell Address to his fellow Springfield citizens from this depot on February 11, 1861 before his 12-day journey to Washington to assume the Presidency.”
“As I stood on the tracks near the historic railroad station, it was as though I could hear Lincoln’s words as he spoke to his fellow citizens of Springfield. Lincoln said, in part…”
“Here I have lived a quarter of a century and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington.”
WESTFIELD STATION – “Located in Westfield, New York, this train station site was where Abraham Lincoln stopped on February 16, 1861 during his trip from Springfield to Washington for his inauguration.”
“On February 16, 1861, Lincoln made a brief stop here and gave a short speech. Following the speech, he met 11-year-old Grace Bedell on the station’s platform.”
“Grace Bedell had written a letter to Lincoln on October 15, 1860 and suggested he grow “whiskers” because the ladies will like him better. Abe stopped to show the little Westfield girl his new beard.”
“This Westfield, New York home was where Grace Bedell lived and from where she wrote the letter that changed the face of history.”
“Westfield honored the event with ‘Lincoln-Bedell Statue Park’, which was located roughly four blocks from the train station site.”
INDEPENDENCE HALL – “On February 22, 1861, President-elect Lincoln stopped in Philadelphia where he gave a short speech and raised the flag over the historic building.”
“I’m standing on the plaque that stated: Abraham Lincoln stood here when he raised the flag on Independence Hall February 22, 1861.”
“This newspaper illustration gave Americans a glimpse of their newly elected President in front of Independence Hall.”
“The President-elect didn’t actually stand here. Instead, Lincoln stood on a raised platform over this spot when he raised the flag over Independence Hall.”
WILLARD HOTEL – “Known as ‘The Residence of the Presidents’, the Willard Hotel was constructed in 1847 and was located roughly two blocks from the White House.”
“On February 23, 1861, President-elect Lincoln was smuggled into the Willard due to assassination threats. Lincoln resided in the hotel until his inauguration on March 4th.”
“While the Lincoln’s stayed in the expensive Parlor No. 6, which was a corner suite on the Willard’s second floor, I stood on the fireplace mantel in the lobby because I knew Lincoln likely saw that as well.”
“Lincoln’s first known visit to the Willard Hotel came on January 27, 1849 while he served in Congress. That evening, Lincoln attended an evening meeting of subscribers to President Zachary Taylor’s inaugural ball.”
UNITED STATES CAPITOL – “Abraham Lincoln was sworn into office on March 4, 1861 and became our 16th President. During the ceremony, some people in the large crowd were hostile towards the new President.”
“Throughout the entire inauguration of 1861, from the ceremonial parade from the Willard Hotel to the Capitol and through the end of Lincoln’s inaugural address, dignitaries expected to hear the crack of rifle fire aimed at the new President.”
THE WHITE HOUSE – “Abraham Lincoln’s time in the White House was not without tragedy. The Civil War began just 40 days into his Presidency, then on February 20, 1862, his 11-year-old son Willie died from typhoid fever.”
“I’m standing in the Green Room inside the White House. It was in this room where young Willie Lincoln was embalmed following his death.”
MARY TODD LINCOLN – “During her time in the White House, Mary refurbished the White House, which led to overspending. She was also known to indulge in wild spending sprees, which didn’t set very well with the President. Following the death of their son Willie, however, First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln was so devastated she stayed in bed for three weeks– she couldn’t attend Willie’s funeral or look after Tad.”
“This life-like display in Springfield’s Lincoln Museum featured President Lincoln meeting with members of his Cabinet in the White House as they discussed the Civil War.”
GETTYSBURG LINCOLN RAILROAD STATION – “Located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and opened in May of 1858, President Lincoln arrived by train at 6:00pm on November 18, 1863 to help dedicate the new Soldier’s National Cemetery – which he did the following day.”
“Shortly after Lincoln arrived at this train station on November 18, 1863, he was escorted to the home of David Wills where he spent the night.”
DAVID WILLS HOUSE – “Located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and owned by lawyer David Wills, Abraham Lincoln stayed in an upstairs guest room where he put the finishing touches on his Gettysburg Address before delivering it the next day.”
“David Wills, who owned the largest house on the town square, was the principal instigator for the Gettysburg National Cemetery where Lincoln delivered his historic speech.”
“After the ceremony at the cemetery, Lincoln returned to this house for an early dinner. The President stood in a hallway inside this house and greeted visitors before he departed for the train station.”
“I wish I could’ve toured the interior of the Wills House during my visit on July 9, 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the building to be closed to visitors. Ironically, it was believed that Lincoln suffered from a mild case of smallpox while he stayed here.”
“The room where President Lincoln stayed was behind the two second-story windows above me on the right.”
GETTYSBURG ADDRESS SITE – “Originally it was believed the site of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address was in the current National Cemetery, located on the other side of the fence in the background. However, historians have proven the speaker’s stand was just inside Evergreen Cemetery.”
“Historians believe the speaker’s stand where Lincoln stood to deliver his Gettysburg Address was positioned here – between the graves of Kitzmiller, Yount (which is the taller stone to my right), and Koch.”
“Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all bobble heads are created equal.”
“This is the only known photograph of President Lincoln during the National Cemetery dedication ceremony. The President is facing the camera and is just left of the prominent figure wearing the hat in the upper center of this image.”
“While I stood on the site of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, I thought about the fact the President’s historic speech lasted around two minutes and was only 271 words in length.”
“I’m standing on the Lincoln Address Memorial which was erected in 1912 in the National Cemetery. A lot of people believe this was the location of Lincoln’s famous address, but it wasn’t.”
“When President Lincoln arrived to dedicate the new cemetery on November 19, 1863, his goal was to deliver a “few appropriate remarks”.Lincoln’s powerful 271-word address became the most famous speech in American history.”
CONFEDERATE WHITE HOUSE – “On April 4, 1865, just two days after the evacuation of Richmond by the Confederacy, Abraham Lincoln arrived at the Confederate White House in Richmond, Virginia and spent three hours in the home of Jefferson Davis – President of the Confederate States of America.”
“Lincoln and his son Tad made the mile-long uphill walk from the river to the Confederate White House; escorted by throngs of jubilant people.”
“During his three-hour stay at the Confederate White House, which two days earlier had been turned into Union General Godfrey Weitzel’s headquarters, the exhausted Lincoln caught his breath and discussed the final strategy for ending the war.”
“I’m standing in the library used by President Davis as a reception room. It was in this room where Abraham Lincoln sat in Jefferson Davis’s chair and drank a glass of water on April 4, 1865.”
“When Lincoln sat in this room, he was solemn and deep in thought; and relieved the end of the Civil War was near. The President refused to visit the upstairs private quarters of Jefferson Davis.”
VIRGINIA STATE HOUSE – “After leaving the Confederate White House, Abraham Lincoln arrived by carriage to the State House in Richmond in the afternoon of April 4, 1865 to visit the late seat of the Confederate Congress.When Abraham Lincoln went inside the Capitol, it was a scene of total chaos. It was obvious a sudden exodus had occurred – Congressional desks were overturned, bales of Confederate currency were strewn everywhere, and official documents lay discarded on the floor.”
PRESIDENT LINCOLN’S COTTAGE AT THE SOLDIER’S HOME – “Located about 4.5 miles north of the White House, this home served as Abraham Lincoln’s Summer White House.”
“From 1862 to 1864, Lincoln lived at the cottage for 13 months and developed the Emancipation Proclamation within its walls.”
“President Lincoln’s last visit to the cottage was the day before his assassination.”
UNITED STATES CAPITOL – “Abraham Lincoln recited the Presidential Oath of Office and then delivered his second inaugural address on March 4, 1865 on the East Portico of the United States Capitol.During Lincoln’s speech, actor John Wilkes Booth stood on the platform above the Capitol steps and watched the President closely.”
“Lincoln stood on a platform close to where I’m standing when he delivered his second inaugural address. Booth watched from the upper fenced platform to the left of me.”
“With malice toward none, with charity for all…and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”
“President Lincoln was photographed as he delivered his second inaugural address. On the raised platform behind him, John Wilkes Booth blended in with the crowd where he plotted his next move.”
“I’m standing alongside a hand-written copy of Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address.”
“On the morning of April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln wore these slippers in the White House.”
“The ugly slippers looked comfortable, and they would be the last ones Lincoln would ever wear.”
“This spoon was used by Abraham Lincoln in the White House on April 14, 1865 during his last meal before going to Ford’s Theater.”
FORD’S THEATRE – “Opened as a theater in August 1863, Abraham Lincoln, along with his wife Mary, attended a performance of Our American Cousin hereon the evening of April 14, 1865. Ford’s is located roughly six blocks east of the White House.”
“When Lincoln arrived at Ford’s, he was wearing these gloves which were on display directly below me.”
“This was the overcoat worn by Abraham Lincoln when he arrived at Ford’s Theater.”
“I’m standing next to an authentic playbill that was at Ford’s Theatre on the night of April 14, 1865.”
“When Abraham and Mary Lincoln arrived at Ford’s, they entered the theater through the door to the right of the sign.”
“The Lincoln’s, along with their guests Major Henry Rathbone and his fiancée Miss Clara Harris, occupied the box to my left.”
“This display, which was photographed at the Lincoln Museum in Springfield, depicts the scene on the night of April 14, 1865 just seconds before the President was shot.”
“My photographer held me out over the balcony to capture this image near the Presidential box. This was as close to the assassination site I could get.”
“Around 10:15pm, John Wilkes Booth made his way to the Presidential box at Ford’s Theatre. He pointed his single-shot Philadelphia derringer behind Lincoln’s left ear and fired.”
“Abraham Lincoln sat in this rocking chair when he was shot at Ford’s Theatre. Purchased at auction for $2,400 by Henry Ford, the chair now resides on permanent display at Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.”
“The stain near the top of the chair is not blood; but was instead oil from people’s hair when it was sat on before being preserved.”
“However, an analysis was performed on the chair and blood was discovered on the silk fabric in two locations – shown in this illustration.”
“It was a solemn moment for me when I saw the bloodstains from our beloved 16th President.”
“There is no doubt, this rocker from Ford’s Theater is the most famous chair in American history.”
“This small, single-shot Philadelphia derringer was used by John Wilkes Booth to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. It’s amazing how something so small could do so much damage.”
“The mortally wounded President was carried through these doors of the theatre and across the street to the William Petersen boarding house.”
“The unconscious President was carried out of the Family Circle door, down the steps, and across the crowd-filled muddy street.”
“This was an artist’s depiction of the chaotic scene outside of Ford’s Theater after President Lincoln was shot on April 14, 1865.”
THE PETERSEN HOUSE – “Built in 1849 by William A. Petersen, this house was located across the street from Ford’s Theatre. On the night of April 14, 1865, a mortally wounded Abraham Lincoln was carried to a back bedroom of this house where a vigil was held throughout the night.”
“Lincoln’s mortally wounded body was carried up the very steps I’m standing on.”
“In March 1865, John Wilkes Booth visited fellow actor Charles Warwick in this house. While there, Booth took a nap in the bed where Lincoln died a month later.”
“In my mind’s eye, I could see the soldiers as they stepped over me with Lincoln cradled in their arms.”
“Soldiers carried the wounded President to this back bedroom where they laid him diagonally in a bed located where this replica bed was now on display.”
“This was a drawing of the solemn scene inside the Petersen House after Lincoln was placed diagonally in the bed.”
“Abraham Lincoln died in the area of the bedroom just behind me at 7:22am on April 15, 1865 at the age of 56.”
“I’m posing near a blood-stained pillow that was under Abraham Lincoln’s head during his final hours of life.”
CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM – “After being purchased by the museum in 1920, the original Lincoln deathbed was put in a display called “A House Divided: America in the Age of Lincoln”.
“I was speechless when I first laid my painted eyes on Lincoln’s deathbed.At the same time, I was disappointed because there were other items on display which partially obscured the historic bed.”
“As I stood in total silence, I envisioned Abraham Lincoln lying diagonally across that very walnut spool bed when he took his final breath at 7:22am on April 15, 1865.”
THE WHITE HOUSE – “Following his assassination, Lincoln returned to the White House for the final time where he laid in state in the East Room.”
EAST ROOM – “President Lincoln’s funeral service in the White House was held on April 19, 1865. First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln remained secluded in the family living quarters on the second floor.”
“This illustration of the funeral in the East Room appeared in newspapers all around the country.”
UNITED STATES CAPITOL – “At 3:00pm on April 19, 1865, following a funeral service at the White House, the body of President Lincoln arrived at the Capitol where he laid in state in the Rotunda.”
“Abraham Lincoln laid in state on this spot, located in the center of the Capitol’s Rotunda, from 3pm April 19, 1865 until early in the morning of April 21st.”
“Abraham Lincoln’s casket was placed on this catafalque when the President laid in state in the Capitol. Today, it’s kept in the Capitol’s basement vault where photography was prohibited.”
NEW YORK CITY HALL – “Abraham Lincoln’s body laid in state on April 24-25, 1865 beneath the rotunda of City Hall in New York City.”
“This historical photograph shows the scene when the casket of Abraham Lincoln was carried into New York City Hall.”
“This is the location in New York City Hall where Lincoln’s body laid in state.”
“This is the one of only a small handful of known surviving photographs of Abraham Lincoln in death – and it was captured in New York City Hall.”
“I’m standing in the exact location where Lincoln laid in state in 1865. Mourners walked up these stairs and past the casket of our 16th President.”
“A New York photographer captured an image of Lincoln’s body in his casket. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton had all of the plates destroyed; however, one print survived.Imagine that, New York City paparazzi were around in 1865!”
OHIO STATEHOUSE – “At 7:30am on April 29, 1865, the body of slain President Abraham Lincoln arrived in Columbus by train from Cleveland, Ohio.”
“Abraham Lincoln laid in state in the rotunda of Ohio’s Statehouse from 9am to 6pm on April 29, 1865. The flag on the wall behind me flew over the Statehouse on that day.”
“Over 50,000 Ohioans filed past Lincoln’s catafalque, which was positioned where I am standing in this image.”
“In the protective case below my feet was a lock of Abraham Lincoln’s hair that was clipped from the President’s head by Ninian W. Edwards on April 19, 1865 as Lincoln laid in state in the White House.”
“When I posed above the lock of hair, it was as physically close to President Lincoln as I had ever been.”
LINCOLN FUNERAL TRAIN MONUMENT – “On May 3, 1865 at 9:00am, after a 13-day journey via train, the remains of Abraham Lincoln arrived at this train station site in Springfield, Illinois.”
“This is an image of the funeral car that transported the remains of President Abraham Lincoln from Washington D.C. to Springfield, Illinois.”
OLD STATE CAPITOL – “The martyred President laid in state at the State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois for 24 hours on May 3rd and 4th 1865.”
“Lincoln’s casket was situated in front of Washington’s portrait behind me where the public got their final view of their slain President.”
“This recreation of Lincoln’s casket in the State Capitol Building was on display at the Lincoln Museum in Springfield.”
“Lincoln’s body was transported 1.5 miles from this chamber to Oak Ridge Cemetery for burial.”
OAK RIDGE CEMETERY – “The casket carrying the body of Abraham Lincoln arrived at the Oak Ridge receiving vault, located in Springfield, Illinois, at 1:00pm on May 4, 1865. His remains, along with son Willie, remained in this vault until December 21, 1865.”
“This illustration depicted the events at Oak Ridge Cemetery on May 4, 1865.”
“Lincoln’s body remained inside this spooky tomb for over six months. Thankfully the gate was locked, and I couldn’t go inside.”
“From December 21, 1865 to September 19, 1871, the bodies of the President and his sons Willie and Eddie were moved to a temporary above-ground tomb marked by this simple granite stone.”
LINCOLN TOMB – “Tad Lincoln died on July 15, 1871 and was the first to be interred in the Lincoln Tomb; located in Springfield’s Oak Ridge Cemetery. President Lincoln, Willie and Eddy were interred on September 21, 1871. Mary Todd Lincoln died on July 16, 1882 and joined her husband and sons.The obelisk on Lincoln’s Tomb rises 117 feet into the air, while four statues adorn each corner of the obelisk’s base. Those statues represent the infantry, navy, artillery, and cavalry during the Civil War period.”
“Mount Rushmore sculptor Gutzon Borglum created this bust of Lincoln that was positioned in front of the tomb’s entrance. Unfortunately, I was too short to rub Lincoln’s nose for good luck!”
“I was shocked when Tom placed me on top of Lincoln’s red marble monument inside the tomb. While there, I thought to myself: “Now I belong to the ages!”
“This marble monument weighed seven tons. Lincoln’s actual burial vault was located 30 inches behind and ten feet below the monument.”
“In November 1876, counterfeiters from Chicago opened this iron gate at the rear of the tomb and attempted to steal the body of Abraham Lincoln.It seemed as though Abe had a difficult time resting in peace.”
“Less than ten minutes after my photographer posed for this image, he climbed over the rope inside the tomb and placed me on the granite marker.”
“But for some unknown reason, my photographer’s wife refused to photograph him next to the tombstone. Tom was forced to pose outside of the rope barricade.”
“My first and only visit to Lincoln’s tomb with my photographer came on July 11, 2014. Lincoln’s tomb was the 10th Presidential gravesite Tom and I had visited together.”
LINCOLN MEMORIAL – “Dedicated on May 30, 1922 by President Warren G. Harding, the Lincoln Memorial houses a 19-foot statue of Abraham Lincoln created by Daniel Chester French.”
“Urban legend states that sculptor Daniel Chester French created Lincoln’s hands to form sign language letters. Lincoln signs the letter ‘A’ with his left hand, while his right hand forms the letter ‘L’.”
“Another legend is the face of Confederate General Robert E. Lee was carved on the back of Lincoln’s head. The General is looking back towards his former home, Arlington House, located across the Potomac River.”
“If this statue of Lincoln could stand up, he would be 28-feet tall.”
“There’s not a memorial or monument anywhere in Washington that compares to the Lincoln Memorial.”
“This was another view of the Lincoln Memorial, taken by my photographer during our night visit on May 21, 2021.”
“There is nothing more beautiful than seeing the memorials and monuments of Washington D.C. illuminated at night. It’s too bad our nation’s capital has become so dangerous, which is thanks to the left’s leniency on criminals.”
“My photographer captured this amazing image of Abraham Lincoln’s statue during our night visit. Thankfully we conducted our activities at night without incident.”
MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL – “Located near Keystone, South Dakota, this symbol of American freedom was created by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and 400 workers from October 4, 1927 to October 31, 1941.”
“The sculpted head of Abraham Lincoln was dedicated on September 17, 1937.”
“Lincoln was chosen by Borglum because of his preservation of our nation.”
“In no way am I attempting to pay tribute to John Wilkes Booth; the P.O.S. who shot Abraham Lincoln in cold blood. Unfortunately, the actor-turned-scoundrel became an unfortunate part of Lincoln’s life story.”
MARY E. SURRATT BOARDING HOUSE – “Built in 1843 on Washington’s H Street, the three-and-one-half-story home was purchased by John Surratt in December 1853. By early 1865, John Wilkes Booth began hatching his kidnapping plot against Abraham Lincoln in that boarding house – which was then owned and operated by Mary Surratt.”
“During the conspirator’s initial meetings inside the Surratt boarding house, the plan was to kidnap President Lincoln. After Booth heard a speech delivered by the President in early April 1865, those plans changed to assassination.”
FORD’S THEATER – “On the morning of April 14, 1865, actor John Wilkes Booth learned President Lincoln was scheduled to be in attendance at Ford’s Theater later that night. Booth’s assassination plot was put in motion.”
STAR SALOON – “Located next to Ford’s Theater, this saloon was where John Wilkes Booth spent the intermission of ‘Our American Cousin’ before he entered the theater to assassinate Lincoln.Booth enjoyed a drink in this saloon as President Abraham Lincoln enjoyed the play next door. At 10:10pm, Booth walked out of the door to my left and headed towards Ford’s Theater.”
“When Booth entered the theater through the doorway behind me, the actor was about to perform on the American stage for the final time.”
“Booth quietly walked along the Dress Circle towards the door that led to the Presidential box. He was noticed by some people in the audience, but the actor wasn’t out of place at Ford’s.”
“When Booth stopped at this door at 10:14pm, he handed Lincoln’s personal assistant Charles Forbes his calling card. The famous stage actor was allowed to enter without any questioning or a search for weapons.”
“Once inside, Booth opened this door to the Presidential box, which had been left unguarded by Lincoln’s bodyguard John Parker. The assassin then used a wooden block to wedge the door shut.”
“Booth quietly slipped into the Presidential box unobserved and blocked the door behind him. He lurked in the shadows and waited for the humorous line from actor Harry Hawk…”
“Don’t know the manners of good society, eh? Well, I guess I know enough to turn you inside out, old gal; you sockdologizing old man-trap!”BANG!
“John Wilkes Booth pulled the trigger of this .41 caliber single-shot Philadelphia derringer and shot President Lincoln in the back of the head.”
BOOTH’S PHILADELPHIA DERRINGER – “The famous actor used this gun, now on display in the Ford’s Theater Museum, to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln.”
“Tom captured this close image of the gun’s barrel, which was held less than three inches from the back of Lincoln’s head.”
“The moment Booth squeezed this trigger; it changed the course of American and World history.”
“Seconds after firing his gun, Booth stabbed Major Rathbone in the arm before he leaped from the box 12 feet to the stage below.Booth hobbled to center stage, having fractured his left leg during the jump. The assassin triumphantly raised his bloody dagger into the air and shouted: “Sic Semper Tyrannis”! Then he disappeared behind the stage.”
“After Booth shot Lincoln at 10:15pm, he exited the theater from the doorway to the right of the dumpsters.”
“Joseph “Peanuts” Burroughs, the stage-door keeper, unsuspectingly held Booth’s horse for him just outside this doorway I’m standing near.”
“When Booth fled out of the door, he knocked Burroughs down with the butt-end of his knife, mounted his horse, and rode swiftly out of the alley.”
“This image is Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, May 13, 1865, which depicted Booth’s escape.”
BAPTIST ALLEY – “This historic alleyway connected F Street with the back of Ford’s Theater. In 1865, numerous small homes lined the alleyway. As a frequent actor at the theater, John Wilkes Booth also owned a small stable in the alley close to Ford’s.Through the darkness of night, Booth rode his horse past the Capitol grounds, over the Navy Yard Bridge, and into Maryland.”
THE SURRATT HOUSE MUSEUM – “The two-story wooden structure was built in 1852 and was located near Clinton, Maryland, which was known then as Surrattsville.After meeting up with David Herold, Booth and his accomplice arrived at the Surratt house around midnight. They stayed long enough to grab the guns Mary Surratt had stashed for them.”
“Mary Surratt, who was residing at her boarding house on H Street in Washington, rented a carriage and made the nine-mile trip to her tavern on April 11, 1865.During that visit, Surratt told tenant John Lloyd to get the “shooting irons” ready to be picked up.”
“Three days later, on the morning of April 14, 1865, Surratt once again made the trip to her tavern to deliver a package to Lloyd for pickup later that evening.”
“That package was from Booth and contained binoculars. During that final delivery, Surratt once again instructed Lloyd to get the “shooting irons” ready for pick up.”
“I’m standing on a table inside the tavern where customers enjoyed drinks, cards, checkers, and hearty conversations about the evils of the new president, Abraham Lincoln.”
“John Surratt, Sr. was appointed postmaster of Surrattsville in 1854. A stagecoach out of Washington dropped off mail six days a week. Surratt retained the position of postmaster until his sudden death in 1862.”
“In the parlor, I found a French writing desk to stand on below a portrait of Surratt. It turned out Mary Surratt owned this historic relic.”
MARY SURRATT – “Owner of a Washington D.C. boarding house and a tavern in Surrattsville, Maryland, Surratt was arrested on April 17, 1865 as a co-conspirator in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.”
“I’m standing on a sideboard in the Surratt’s family dining room. The assassin’s Spencer carbine rifles and other supplies were concealed between the ceiling of this room and the floor joists of the bedroom directly above the dining room.”
“I discovered an old bonnet and gentleman’s top hat located in the bedroom of Mary and John Surratt.”
DR. SAMUEL A. MUDD HOUSE MUSEUM – “Located near Waldorf, Maryland, the two-story wooden home known as ‘St. Catherine’ was constructed shorty after Dr. Mudd’s marriage to Sarah Dyer in 1859.”
“After Booth and Herold retrieved their weapons from the Surratt Tavern, they travelled roughly 14 miles on horseback to the home behind me, which was where Dr. Samuel Mudd was sound asleep in his bedroom.”
“This farmhouse gained national historic fame during the early hours of April 15, 1865 when John Wilkes Booth and David Herold knocked on the front door behind me.”
“Allegedly unaware of the assassination, Mudd invited Booth and Herold into his home where he examined the actor’s injured leg.”
“Let’s walk through the doorway behind me and visit the interior of the Mudd home.”
“Dr. Mudd led the two fugitives into the parlor of his home. Booth sat on the burgundy sofa against the far wall as the doctor removed his boot and examined the assassin’s left leg.”
“In the early morning hours of April 15, 1865, Dr. Samuel Mudd sliced this boot to remove it from the assassin’s swollen left ankle. Five days later, investigators arrived at Mudd’s home and found the boot.”
“I was shocked when our tour guide allowed me to stand on the same sofa where Booth was examined. Even though it had been reupholstered since that historic night, it was still cool to stand there.”
“As a matter of fact, I wished Dr. Mudd was still alive as I would’ve asked him to examine my broken legs as well.”
“I’m standing in the same parlor near the fireplace. The small officer’s desk in the corner was constructed by Mudd while he served his sentence in prison.”
“The pianoforte behind me belonged to Sarah Mudd’s parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Dyer. The small game table in the far corner was made by the doctor while incarcerated in prison.”
“Now I’m in Samuel and Sarah’s bedroom. The doctor and his wife were sleeping in this room when Dr. Mudd heard a knock at the front door at 4:00am on April 15, 1865.”
“After the doctor had examined Booth’s leg on the sofa, Mudd led the two fugitives up this staircase to the second-floor bedrooms. In severe pain, Booth struggled to get up these stairs.As I stood on the banister, I thought about John Wilkes Booth as his hands had touched the same wooden handrail.”
“Once Dr. Mudd examined Booth’s leg in the downstairs parlor, he set his broken left leg in this upstairs bedroom. Because it was difficult for Booth to navigate the staircase, the assassin spent the rest of the night and half the following day resting in this room.”
“While the bed was not original to that historic day, the wooden floorboards were. As I stood there, it was as though I could see Booth as he hobbled to the nearby bed.”
“This walnut and marble-topped dresser belonged to the Mudd’s and was in the house when Booth spent the night.”
“Dang, I look good!”
“David Herold slept in this upstairs bedroom. The bed I’m standing on was not original to the Mudd House, but instead was used at the farmhouse of Richard Garrett just outside of Port Royal, Virginia.”
“While visiting Dr. Mudd’s upstairs office, I had the chance to stand on the cabinet where he kept his medical supplies.”
“Below my feet was Dr. Mudd’s medical travel kit. The nearby white mortar and pestle was used by the doctor to grind and mix the medicine he used to help treat John Wilkes Booth.”
“While Booth ate his meals in the upstairs bedroom, David Herold ate lunch while seated at the table in front of the original sideboard I’m standing on.”
“When David Herold ate lunch at this table in the Mudd’s dining room on April 15, 1865, it was his last good meal as a free man.”
“After spending about 12 hours in the Mudd House where they rested and were fed, Booth and Herold left St. Catherine and headed down the trail in the distance.”
“Can you imagine seeing the fugitives riding their horses as they head towards Zekiah’s Swamp and on to the home of Samuel Cox?”
DR. SAMUEL A. MUDD – “Arrested on April 21, 1865, one week after Lincoln was shot, Dr. Mudd went to trial as a co-conspirator in the assassination of the President. Found guilty, Mudd escaped execution by one vote and was sentenced to life imprisonment at Fort Jefferson.”
ST. MARY’S CHURCH – “John Wilkes Booth first met Dr. Samuel Mudd at this church, located in Bryantown, Maryland, on November 13, 1864.I’m standing on the tombstone of Dr. Mudd in the yard of St. Mary’s Church. This historic church was roughly six miles from Mudd’s home.”
“On January 10, 1883, Dr. Samuel Mudd died at the age of 49 from pneumonia. Ironically, Mudd was buried in the yard of the church where he first met the actor who made him infamous.”
RICH HILL – “Located just outside of Bel Alton, Maryland, Rich Hill was the two-story farmhouse owned by Col. Samuel Cox – a Confederate sympathizer.Booth and Herald were guided through Zekiah’s Swamp by Oswell Swann, whose house the pair had stumbled upon in the dark. After receiving a fee for his services, Swann brought the two fugitives to the doorstep of Rich Hill.”
“Samuel Cox received ownership of Rich Hill from his father in 1849. Sixteen years later, a famous actor came knocking on the front door at 1:00am on Easter Sunday Morning in April 1865.”
“Cox invited Booth and Herold into his home, and he fed them. The dining room at Rich Hill, where the fugitives likely ate, was located in a single-story addition to the right of the door. Unfortunately, that dining area no longer exists.”
“Once they had eaten, Cox instructed his farmhand, Franklin Robey, to guide Booth and Herold to a dense pine thicket on his property.”
PINE THICKET – “Located in Bel Alton, Maryland and situated roughly one mile south of Rich Hill, which was still Samuel Cox’s property in 1865, John Wilkes Booth and David Herold stayed concealed in this overgrown and swampy thicket for five days and nights – leaving after dusk on April 20, 1865. Samuel Cox asked his foster-brother Thomas Jones to bring food, whisky, and newspapers to Booth and Herold while they stayed hidden in this thicket.”
“It was during their six-day stay in this thicket where Booth wrote his famous diary passage: “Our country owed all her troubles to him, and God simply made me the instrument of his punishment.”
“This small leather date book was used by John Wilkes Booth as a diary. Booth’s entries in the journal were likely written between April 17 and April 22, 1865. The book was found on the assassin’s body after he was killed.”
“But during his time in this thicket, he learned from the newspapers that his actions were condemned by the world – stating Booth was a coward and there was a price on his head.”
DENT’S MEADOW – “This section of land, near Bel Alton, Maryland, was located about one mile from Thomas Jones’ home ‘Huckleberry’ in 1865. Today, the meadow and shoreline are on the private property of a Jesuit retreat house known as ‘Loyola on the Potomac’.”
“Once the fugitives made it to the shoreline of the Potomac River near Dent’s Meadow, Thomas Jones and David Herold retreated into the thick marsh behind me and dragged Jones’ 12-foot-long fishing boat out from where it was stashed near this unnamed creek.”
“From this spot, Booth and Herald boarded Thomas Jones’ fishing boat and headed into the darkness towards Virginia. Their goal was to reach Machodoc Creek, which was across the river at the left side of this image.”
“This illustration depicts Herald and Booth in Thomas Jones’ fishing boat as they attempted to cross the Potomac River in the darkness of night.”
“Were some of these small stones and rocks along the Potomac once touched by Booth and Herold? Unlikely after 157 years, but I still wanted to believe they were.”
“After dark on April 20, 1865, John Wilkes Booth and David Herold departed from this area during their first attempt to cross the two-mile-wide Potomac River. Instead of travelling south on the river towards Machodoc Creek, however, they ended up going north.The fugitive’s boat ended up going ashore at Nanjemoy Creek in Maryland, which was the stretch of land in the distance. Booth and Herald spent most of April 21, 1865 hiding in a slave cabin owned by Peregrine Davis on his Indiantown Farm, which was near present-day Welcome, Maryland.”
MACHODOC CREEK – “This inlet from the Potomac River was the intended Virginian destination of John Wilkes Booth and David Herold, which was in close proximity to the cottage owned by Elizabeth Quesenberry.Instead of arriving at Machodoc Creek, where I’m standing, Booth and Herold’s boat arrived about two miles north at Gambo Creek.”
MRS. QUESENBERRY’S COTTAGE – “Located at Machodoc Creek near Dahlgren, Virginia, this was home to 39-year-old widow and Confederate agent Elizabeth Quesenberry and her three young daughters.In the early morning hours of April 23, 1865, David Herold left his “brother” with a broken leg in the boat, which was concealed at Gambo Creek, and he walked along the shore of the Potomac for two miles until he arrived at this home where he expected to get some help.”
“When Herold arrived and met Elizabeth Quesenberry, the fugitive asked to buy a couple of her horses. Quesenberry refused and sent the co-conspirator on his way.”
“The section of the house nearest the chimney was the entire cottage in 1865. When David Herold left this home and returned to the boat where Booth was hiding, he was extremely mad and felt betrayed.After Herold left, Quesenberry asked Confederate mail agent Thomas Harbin to bring food to the fugitives. Harbin then instructed William Bryant, another Confederate agent, to guide Booth and Herold to the home of Dr. Richard Stuart where they would receive aid.”
CLEYDAEL – “Located near the small village of Weedonville, Virginia, Cleydael was once the home of Dr. Richard H. Stuart – the wealthiest man in King George County. John Wilkes Booth and David Herold came to Cleydael on April 23, 1865 in search of aid.William Bryant led Booth and Herold to Cleydael at the request of Thomas Hardin, but it’s unclear whether or not Bryant was an oblivious farmer or a Confederate agent.”
“When Booth and Herold arrived at Cleydael in the late afternoon of April 23, 1865, Dr. Stuart recognized Booth and knew what he had done.”
“Today, Cleydael is a private home; during my first visit on May 19, 2021, my photographer carried me onto the property. While I posed near the home, we didn’t venture any closer than the circle driveway.”
“But during my second trip to Cleydael on May 15, 2022, we met the owners of the home and they invited us inside.”
“Booth and Herold walked into the room I’m standing in by using the original door in front of me. The fugitives were fed in the dining room, which in 1865, was located in the adjacent room.”
“When Booth and Herold arrived at this home, the actor was in obvious pain and in need of medical assistance. Dr. Stuart refused to help.After the pair were done eating, Stuart sent them away – telling the two men they could find shelter at the nearby Lucas family cabin. Once again, John Wilkes Booth was shunned in Virginia by a known Confederate sympathizer.”
LUCAS CABIN – “Late in the day of April 23, 1865, John Wilkes Booth and David Herold arrived at the cabin of William Lucas, a freed Black man. The fugitives spent the night in the cabin after evicting Lucas and his family from their own home – likely by knifepoint. During their stay, the assassin and his co-conspirator plotted their next move.”
THE BROCKENBROUGH-PEYTON HOUSE – “Built in 1765 and located in Port Royal, Virginia, this large two-story home was owned by Randolph Peyton when John Wilkes Booth and David Herold arrived there on April 24, 1865.When Booth and Herold arrived at the Peyton house, three former Confederate soldiers were with them. Booth pretended to be a wounded soldier and said he need a place to rest on his way home.”
“Sarah Jane Peyton, Randolph’s sister, admitted the five men into the home; Booth immediately made himself at home in the parlor.”
“But when Sarah didn’t feel it was proper to be alone in the house with five men, she asked them to leave. She told them they could find refuge at the Garrett Farm about three miles down the road.”
“When John Wilkes Booth walked off this porch and headed to the Garrett Farm, he only had two days left to live.”
GARRETT FARM SITE – “This area of land, located about three miles south of Port Royal, Virginia, was the site of the farm known as ‘Locust Hill’ owned by Richard Henry Garrett. In the early morning of April 26, 1865, John Wilkes Booth was shot in the Garrett’s tobacco barn, and he died a few hours later on the front porch of Garrett’s farmhouse.This historical marker I’m standing alongside was on the east-side shoulder of the northbound lane of Highway 301. Unfortunately, it’s about 100 yards south of the actual Garrett Farm site – located in the heavily-wooded median of the highway.”
“Booth and Herold arrived at the farmhouse of Richard Garrett around 4pm on April 24, 1865 after they completed the three-mile ride from the Peyton’s home.The pair were introduced as cousins named “Boyd” who were Confederate soldiers returning home from the war. “James Boyd” had been wounded in battle and needed a place to stay.”
“Herold and the three soldiers rode off towards Bowling Green where they spent the night. “James Boyd” spent the night in a bedroom with Garrett’s sons.”
“The pipe behind me marked the location of the Locust Hill fireplace. On the morning of April 25, 1865, David Herold returned to this site to reunite with Booth. That’s when Garrett grew suspicious of the pair. The original Garrett farmhouse and outbuildings had fallen into disrepair in the 1940s and were demolished. The site of Garrett’s tobacco barn isn’t known, but it’s likely near the area where the southbound lane of Highway 301 was built, which was roughly 100 yards behind me.”
“At nightfall on April 25, 1865, Booth and Herold were denied rooms in the house and were sent to the Garrett’s tobacco barn. The doors of the barn were locked to keep the men from stealing the Garrett’s horses.By 2am, the Garrett farm was crawling with 26 soldiers from the New York 16th Cavalry. Herold surrendered, but when Booth refused to give up, the barn was set on fire.”
“As the flames grew more intense, Booth had his Spencer carbine cocked and loaded. He wasn’t about to surrender. Then suddenly, a single shot rang out – Booth dropped his rifle and collapsed onto the floor.”
“Several soldiers burst through the barn’s door and into the inferno – they carried the assassin’s limp body outside. When Union soldier Boston Corbett fired his rifle at the assassin, the bullet hit Booth in the back of the head – he was alive, but paralyzed.Once the barn was totally engulfed in flames, the soldier’s carried Booth to the farmhouse where they placed him down on the porch. The Garrett farmhouse porch was located just about where I’m standing in this image.”
DEATH OF AN ASSASSIN – “On the Garrett farmhouse porch, Booth said, “Tell mother I die for my country”. Just as the sun was rising in the east, the assassin asked the soldiers to lift his arms to his face so he could see his hands. When they did, Booth whispered: “Useless. Useless.”
“At 7am on April 26, 1865, John Wilkes Booth was dead at the age of 26. The largest manhunt in American history was over. Booth died where I’m lying in the median of Highway 301 just outside of Port Royal, Virginia.”
GREEN MOUNT CEMETERY – “Located in Baltimore, Maryland, this unmarked grave marks the final resting place of Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth who was shot and killed on April 26, 1865.”
“Are you wondering what happened to the four convicted co-conspirators in Lincoln’s assassination?“
“They were executed by hanging on July 7, 1865.”
“Did you make it to the end of the post without falling asleep? Did you go through every picture in one try, or did you have to stop and take a break? I hope you have enjoyed my tribute to one of the greatest Presidents in American history – Abraham Lincoln. Please leave me a comment.”
My name is Thomas Watson and I've been a U.S. history fanatic since I was 9 years old. In 2013, I decided to take my passion to the next level when I purchased a Thomas Jefferson bobble head with the sole intention of photographing that bobble head at Presidential sites. From that first day on July 10, 2013 at Spiegel Grove in Fremont, Ohio, this journey has taken on a life of its own. Now, nearly 40,000 miles later, I thought it was time to share the experiences, stories, and photos of Jefferson's travels. Keep in mind, this entire venture has been done with the deepest respect for the men who held the office as our President; no matter what their political affiliations, personal ambitions, or public scandals may have been. This blog is intended to be a true tribute to the Presidents of the United States and this story will be told Through the Eyes of Jefferson. I hope you enjoy the ride!
