At approximately 7:30 A.M. on the morning of May 1, 1865, the train that bore the body of Abraham Lincoln passed through Wanatah on its way from Washington to Springfield, Illinois. The train did not stop here but slowed down to 5 miles per hour and tolled its bell as it passed through town. The many mourners that gathered track side bowed their heads and removed their hats as the train slowly passed by. Some people placed coins on the track to be smashed by the engine to be kept as souvenirs of the tragic event.
Loading contexts...
