Lincoln's Funeral Train: The Epic Journey from Washington to Springfield
The Lincoln funeral and the nearly 1,700-mile epic journey of the funeral train was the biggest single event to happen in the lives of American citizens at the time. At least seven million people—without the aid of radio, television, or internet—actually witnessed some part of the historic occasion. Eyewitness accounts from nearly 150 years ago and historic images present this remarkable journey of President Abraham Lincoln's remains, from the nation's Capitol to his final resting place in Springfield, Illinois. More than 440 cities, towns, villages and byways were on the route in 1865, and each is included in this fascinating volume. The veteran author draws from reports, documents, and contemporary narratives to finally fully present the event. Long-forgotten photographs and dozens of Lincoln-handled documents are included, adding further authentic flavor to this enthrallingly detailed, true-story of the historic Lincoln Funeral Train.
Hardbound w/dust jacket, 8x10-inch trim
160 pages on heavy gloss paper
BOOK REVIEW
This is probably the best book yet on this famous train about which much has been written previously. It has the very highest quality layout/design and illustrations are reproduced with startling clarity.
The information is fulsome and appears to be very well researched. It is written in a cogent and literate way that is easy to read and understand.
Lincoln’s train was the first of the presidential funeral-type trains that have been run, the most famous in modern times being the Eisenhower train of 1969.
Obviously, there are only a few good photos of the train itself available, but scores of other illustrations show Lincoln and contemporary places as well as people. All illustrations are in color, as is the design. Since all are originally B&W, good use is made of sepia toning. Overall, the design is great!
Schiffer Publishing did the book. They publish for the “book trade,” that is, to sell to the public through retail outlets, etc., so one might not think their product would be great for high interest railfans, but this book defies that conventional belief. It is excellent all around and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in railroad history and America history in general. I suggest you consider strongly adding it to your general reference library!
TOM DIXON