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Farewell Address Reenactment © Abraham Lincoln Online

Lincoln Presidential Library Dedication Weekend Day One: November 16, 2002 -- on this page Day Two Highlights Dedication Day Highlights Springfield, Illinois, celebrated the dedication of its new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library with a wide range of public events. We thought you might like to hear about the weekend, so we published some highlights of our trip. Early on Saturday morning we loaded up the car and drove to Illinois. We missed many interesting activities but arrived in time for the re-creation of one of Lincoln's most memorable speeches.

As we emerge from our car, a brisk wind scatters leaves across downtown Springfield. We scurry toward the Lincoln Home Visitor Center, looking for information about the weekend's events. Walking down Eighth Street we see costumed crafters, reenactors, and entertainers winding up a day in the bone-chilling cold.

Inside the Visitor Center, a Wisconsin friend describes his efforts to stay warm during the past few days. We all agree the wind chill resembles February, when we usually gather for Lincoln's Birthday. But it's fitting weather for the last event of the afternoon -- a re-enactment of Lincoln's famous Farewell Address.

President-elect Lincoln gave this semi-impromptu speech on February 11, 1861, at the nearby Great Western railroad depot. He said goodbye to his friends and neighbors from the rear platform of a train about to leave for Washington, D.C. The restored depot at Tenth and Monroe streets is now private property of a law firm, but the first floor has been restored and is open to the public.

"Lincoln" Rides to Railroad Depot © Abraham Lincoln Online

When we poke our heads outside, we see a horse and small carriage ready to take "Mr. Lincoln" the few blocks to the depot. It is, of course, local actor Fritz Klein, who looks so much like the president that it is almost eerie. We trot along beside, snapping pictures and watching astonished people in cars stare at the tall occupant of the carriage. Spectators are gathering around the depot, entertained by a small military band in period clothing. When "Lincoln" emerges from the carriage he works the crowd like an experienced politician, delighting onlookers by shaking hands and thanking them for coming. A few black umbrellas add an authentic touch, but we all have suspended disbelief to make this scene work in our respective imaginations. The actual event occurred about 8:00 a.m.; it is now past 4:00 p.m.; it was raining in 1861, but only a few flurries drift by today. The railroad tracks are wider now, the depot is taller, and no "presidential special" train stands ready to bear Mr. Lincoln away.

But no matter. It may as well be Lincoln standing by the old depot door, sending those familiar lines into the cold, thin air, yet knowing he will not come back alive. For a moment, we wish we didn't know the rest of the story.

>Day Two Highlights
>Day Three Highlights

Related Links
Original Newspaper Account of Farewell Address
Lincoln Depot (National Park Service)
Lincoln Meets Grace Bedell
Original Manuscript of Farewell Address (Library of Congress)

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