VTTA Abraham Lincoln Hearse Replica

Our first project honors President Abraham Lincoln by recreating his original hearse that was destroyed by fire on February 9th, 1887.  The project was completed in 2015, and continuing maintenance and transportation costs are still supported.

Considered the most accurate recreation existing of the actual hearse, measurements and details were carefully developed by scrutinizing the only known photograph of the Abraham Lincoln Hearse (shown in the first design photo below).  The recreation of the Abraham Lincoln Hearse was the crown jewel of the Sesquicentennial Memorial in Springfield, IL (Abraham Lincoln’s home town) commemorating the cessation of the Civil War in April 1865.

It took 3 years to build, weighs approximately 4200 pounds, was built entirely by volunteer combat Veterans, and cost over $50K in donated funds to cover materials.  It was built as close to the original as possible, and strives for authenticity down to the smallest detail, including real gold leaf, cast metal ornamentation and cherubs.

It is used in many events in the USA, with future plans for funerals of notable dignitaries.

The project was conceived by P.J. Staab of  The Staab Funeral Home in Springfield, IL, where it now spends most of its time.  Construction (and decorative trim) was started at The Blue Ox Millworks, Eureka, CA, under the supervision of Vietnam combat Veteran Eric Hollenbeck.  Continuing on to Tombstone, AZ, final assembly was completed by Vietnam combat Veteran Jack Feather.  Volunteer Mike Benjamin, master craftsman, completed the period-correct upholstery, including seating, drapery and black ostrich plumes.  Volunteer Chuck Ellsworth of Eureka, CA completed the real 24-k gold leaf bright-work across the Abraham Lincoln Hearse recreation.