The Great Slow Train to Springfield: How Long Did Lincoln Take to Get Home?
Abraham Lincoln, the man who saved the Union and freed the slaves (not to mention sported a truly epic top hat), gets assassinated. National tragedy ensues, along with a massive outpouring of grief. But how do you mourn a president who, you know, brought a whole country back together? By putting him on a train, of course!
This wasn't your average choo-choo, though. This was the Lincoln Special, a funeral train that meandered across America at a leisurely pace that would make a sloth look like a speed demon.
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| How Long Did It Take The Funeral Train To Get To Illinois |
All Aboard the Slowest Ride in the West (or East...or Wherever It Went)
The Lincoln Special left Washington D.C. on April 21st, 1865, with one very important passenger: President Lincoln himself (well, his body, to be precise). The destination? Springfield, Illinois, Lincoln's hometown. The question everyone wanted to know: when would they get there?
Honestly, placing bets on arrival time would have been a fool's errand. This train wasn't exactly built for speed. Think of it more like a scenic tour of a nation in mourning. People lined up for miles to catch a glimpse of the funeral car, and the train would slow down – way down – for these impromptu memorials.
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
Funeral Train Fun Facts (Because Apparently, There's Such a Thing)
- The Journey: The grand total distance traveled? A whopping 1,600 miles (or 2,575 kilometers for our metric friends).
- The Speed: Buckle up (or don't, because seriously, this thing was slow) for an average speed of a thrilling 18 miles per hour (29 kilometers per hour).
- The Timeframe: The whole trip took a cool 12 days. That's right, folks, Lincoln basically toured the afterlife for two weeks before finally reaching his final resting place.
So, How Long Did It Really Take?
Who can say for sure? It depended on how many people showed up to pay their respects, how long the local eulogies lasted, and frankly, how many times the train had to stop for a cow on the tracks (because, hey, it was 1865).
One thing's for certain: Lincoln's funeral train wasn't about speed, it was about saying goodbye. It was a chance for a nation to mourn its fallen leader and reflect on the enormous impact he had.
FAQ: Funeral Train Fun (Funeral-y Not Fun)
How do I plan a funeral train?
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
Let's be honest, unless you're a beloved historical figure, this option is probably off the table.
How long would a funeral train take today?
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With high-speed rail, it would likely be a much quicker trip (though maybe a little less impactful).
QuickTip: Skim first, then reread for depth.
Can I visit the Lincoln train car?
Sadly, the original train car was destroyed in a fire in 1911. However, you can learn more about Lincoln's funeral train and the history of mourning in America at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois.
What's the etiquette for a funeral train?
Tip: Watch for summary phrases — they give the gist.
Since this isn't exactly a common occurrence, we can't say for sure. But generally, respect and solemnity are the order of the day.
How many naps did Lincoln take on the train?
A historical mystery for the ages!
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