Lincoln Tomb Awaits Renovation After Water Damage

The Lincoln tomb is in need of repair.

Illinois Historic Preservation Agency spokesman Dave Blanchette says the tomb will undergo $700,000 in structural repairs to fix water damage and other interior damage.

Lincoln’s tomb is in Springfield’s Oak Ridge Cemetery. It is the final resting place of the 16th president, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons. The tomb was dedicated in 1874.

The water damage is most visible on the ceiling of the entrance foyer.

Blanchette tells The State Journal-Register there have been problems with the roof since the tomb was dedicated.

State officials have released the $700,000 and an Indiana architectural firm is working on the project.

Renovations also will include refinishing the tomb’s decorative plaster and moldings, marble wall panels and brass plaques.