Title: Lincoln's Body lying in State

Description: Before the funeral service for President Lincoln began, newspaper artists were allowed to sketch the scene. For the funeral, wooden platforms were brought into the East Room on which 600 people stood crowded together. Mrs. Lincoln, who was too distraught to attend the funeral, is nevertheless portrayed here at the foot of the coffin covered in a black mourning veil. General Grant stands at the head. One can see the black tent-like structure with a white satin lining over the open coffin. Masses of flowers filled the East Room. This structure on which the coffin was placed, called a catafalque, is still used for presidential funerals today.

Date: c.1865

Creator: Alfred R. Waud

Credit: Library of Congress