Lincoln Funeral Train Honors 150th Anniversary of President’s Death

More than 150 years ago, the nation learned that their 16th President, Abraham Lincoln was shot and killed while attending a play at Ford’s Theatre. The train carrying his remains was built for the President in 1864, and unfortunately the only time Lincoln used the train, was to carry his body from Washington D.C. to Springfield, IL to be laid to rest.

A full-size replica of the train that carried President Abraham Lincoln’s body across the United States through 180 cities and seven states will be on display at the Indiana Welcome Center Thursday, Oct. 8 through Sunday, Oct. 11.

“This is a great opportunity, especially for young people, to see and experience what it was like to pay their respects to Abraham Lincoln,” said David Kloke, master mechanic for The 2015 Lincoln Funeral Train.

The train was created by The 2015 Lincoln Funeral Train group to commemorate the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and funeral. It is a near-exact replica of the historic train that carried President Lincoln’s body to his home state. Leviathan 63 and tender, a full-size reproduction of an 1860’s era steam railroad locomotive, will also be on display.

Special events include a book signing and lecture by Susan Gilbreath-Lane beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. Gilbreath-Lane edited and published journals of her great grandfather, who was a major from Valparaiso in the 20th Indiana Infantry, which details local men’s service during the Civil War.

“The train will also accentuate the efforts of the South Shore Civil War Memorial Trail,” explained Batistatos. “The Civil War is an important story in our nation’s history. The South Shore CVA looks forward to helping visitors and residents learn that story.”

The South Shore Civil War Memorial Trail is a collection of the last known resting places, monuments, architectural icons and sites with Civil War ties that are related to the brave men and women from the region who sacrificed during the most pivotal period in our nation’s history. The trail serves as a guide for visitors who wish to pay their respects to the veterans and learn the stories of their humanity and sacrifice during and after the war. Lincoln funeral train visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the South Shore Civil War Memorial Trail during a special exhibit inside the W.F. Wellman Exhibit Hall at the Indiana Welcome Center.

The Indiana Welcome Center is located at 7770 Corinne Drive in Hammond, Indiana. For more information on tours, special events and field trip opportunities, contact Bethany Randolph at 219-554-2229 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Katie Holderby at 219-989-7770 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information on the Lincoln Funeral Train, visit www.southshorecva.com/lincolntrain.