One-hundred and fifty years ago, more than 2 percent of the state’s population walked through the Statehouse Rotunda to view their fallen president.
From 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 29, 1865, Abraham Lincoln, the “savior of the Union,” lay in state in the Rotunda. During the viewing, an estimated 50,000 Ohioans passed through the Rotunda to pay their respects. Ohio’s population at the time was about 2.3 million.
On Wednesday, the Ohio Statehouse commemorated the 150th anniversary of the event, draping the front of the building in black and recreating the scene in the Rotunda. Mourners left flowers by the casket. Men dressed as Union soldiers stood guard.
Outside on the lawn, a Civil War encampment was set up. Re-enactors from the 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A, fired cannons throughout the day.
The stop in Columbus was one of many Lincoln’s funeral train made en route from Washington to Springfield, Illinois. The train traveled more than 1,600 miles during the 13-day trip. One-third of the population of the United States witnessed the train pass their community.
Lincoln had visited the Statehouse twice before, but his presence — and his words — made a lasting impression. On his first visit, in 1859, he delivered a speech on what was then the East Terrace of the Statehouse.
His second visit was early in 1861 while on his way to Washington for his inauguration. He spoke in the House of Representatives and danced at a ball held in the Senate chamber.
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