Abraham Lincoln's body was exhumed in 1901 to facilitate its re-interment into a more secure and newly constructed crypt within his tomb.
The Purpose of Lincoln's Exhumation
On September 26, 1901, the coffin of Abraham Lincoln was temporarily removed from its resting place. This significant action was undertaken not to disturb his peace, but to move his remains to a purpose-built, fortified crypt designed for enhanced security.
The re-interment aimed to provide a more permanent and secure resting place for the former president. The details of this new crypt illustrate the extent of the security measures taken:
- Steel Cage: Lincoln's coffin was placed inside a robust steel cage.
- Depth: This cage was then lowered to a depth of 10 feet (approximately 3.0 meters) below the floor of the tomb.
- Concrete Encasement: To further protect the remains, the steel cage containing the coffin was thoroughly encased in concrete, making it exceptionally difficult to access.
This measure effectively encased Lincoln's coffin within a virtually impenetrable vault, ensuring his lasting and undisturbed peace.
