Opening The Coffin of President Abraham Lincoln – The Disturbing Truth Hidden for 150 Years

In a shocking turn of events, the history surrounding President Abraham Lincoln has taken a dark twist. A recent investigation has revealed the eerie details of a grave robbery attempt that sought to steal Lincoln’s remains from his final resting place.

 

 

On April 14, 1865, the night of Lincoln’s assassination, America was plunged into chaos. Just five days after the Civil War’s end, the beloved president was shot by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play. His death sent shockwaves across the nation, transforming celebration into mourning.

Why We Keep Reinventing Abraham Lincoln | The New Yorker

As the nation grieved, the story of Lincoln did not end there. In the 1870s, a notorious counterfeiting gang devised a chilling plan to steal Lincoln’s body and demand a ransom of $200,000. Their plot was ambitious, but it was foiled by a tip-off and the keen eyes of law enforcement.

April 14, 1865: President Abraham Lincoln is shot in the back of the head  while attending a play at Fords Theatre by Confederate sympathizer John  Wilkes Booth. : r/Presidents

On November 7, 1876, the gang attempted to execute their sinister plan. They broke into Lincoln’s tomb, pried open the sarcophagus, and struggled to lift the heavy coffin. But fate intervened when detectives, lying in wait, rushed in to apprehend the would-be grave robbers.

The 6 most infamous political assassinations in American history - History  Skills

In a bizarre twist, Lincoln’s coffin was exhumed in 1901 for a proper burial. Witnesses described a chilling scene as the lead-lined coffin was opened. Lincoln’s features remained eerily recognizable, his body well-preserved despite the years. Yet, a foul odor filled the air, a haunting reminder of mortality.

President A. Lincoln in casket tintype C1067RP | eBay

Today, Lincoln lies beneath layers of cement, buried ten feet deep to ensure his remains are safe. The grave’s history is marked by numerous relocations, raising concerns about the integrity of his remains. The last time his coffin was opened, it was believed that significant decay had begun.

State funeral of Abraham Lincoln - Wikipedia

As the nation reflects on Lincoln’s legacy, this unsettling chapter serves as a stark reminder of the lengths some will go to disturb the peace of history. The story of his assassination and the attempts to desecrate his grave continues to resonate, capturing the imagination of Americans and historians alike.

Replica coffin of Lincoln stops in Watertown

In a world where history is often revered, the specter of grave robbery and the macabre fascination with Lincoln’s remains remains a chilling footnote in the annals of American history.