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Lincoln Funeral Train

Introduction

The Lincoln Funeral Train lesson module will take place over the course of 3 to 4 class periods. Throughout the module, students will integrate technology use and historic research into a cohesive presentation. The crux of the research will be primary source document analysis. Aspects of spatial reasoning and mapping skills are woven into the lesson – using the trajectory of the Lincoln Funeral Train.

This module has aspects that align with a project based approach. It engages students with the material and each other. Small groups will conduct the research, mapping, and present their findings as a unit. There is a consistent emphasis on finding a contemporary connection to the events surrounding the Lincoln Funeral Train.

Guiding Questions

  • Why did Lincoln’s Funeral Train take its specific route?
  • How did cities along that route react to his funeral? What did they do?
  • How do other forms of media (art, music) depict the funeral train?

Objectives

  • Students will collaboratively generate a detailed map of the Lincoln Funeral Train
  • Students, in small groups, will present research on primary source documents
  • Students will conduct rigorous research on a variety of primary source documents
  • Students will understand and communicate the impact that Lincoln’s death had on the country
  • Students will develop/reinforce an understanding of mapping skills
  • Students will be able to see connection between Social Studies and STEM subject areas

Standards

Procedure

Lesson Activity One: Reactions & Distance
  • Students learn about the route Lincoln’s Funeral Train took

Lesson Activity Two: Small Groups, Distance, and Reactions
  • Students research databases for pictures and news articles in assigned cities along the funeral train route

Lesson Activity Three: Presentations and “The Lonely Train:
  • Groups present their research to the class and afterwards, the class will compare their research to the song, “The Lonesome Train.”

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Materials

  • Grade Level

    9 to 12

  • Timeframe

    2 to 3 classes (45 min/period)

  • Class Subject

    History

  • Skills

    Primary Sources

  • Teacher Information

    Kevin Wagner

    Carlisle High School

    9, 11, 12

    U.S. History (College Prep), Advanced Placement U.S. History

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Lincoln Funeral Train in Public Square, April 28, 1865

Funeral Train in Public Square

Photograph from Apr. 28, 1865

Funeral Car of Abraham Lincoln

Funeral Car of Abraham Lincoln

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Abraham Lincoln's Funeral March

Abraham Lincoln's Funeral March

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Abraham Lincoln funeral obsequies

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Abraham Lincoln funeral car

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The Old Nashville / The Engine that Drew Lincoln's Funeral Train from Washington, D.C. to Springfield, ILL.

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Photograph from Apr. 28, 1865

Account of Lincoln's Funeral in Washington, D.C.[Detail]

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Newspaper from Apr. 20, 1865

Alice Strickler Keyes diary entry

Alice Strickler Keyes diary entry

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Lincoln Catafalque on Cleveland's Public Square

Catafalque on Cleveland's Public Square

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Emilie Davis Diary

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American Telegraph Company telegram of W.P. Smith, Balio. [Baltimore], to Hon. Geo. Harrington [Geo. Harrington], 301 D St., April 18, 1865

Telegram of W.P. Smith, April 18, 1865

Document from Apr. 18, 1865

Hair Brooch worn by Matilda Bergen Beach at Lincoln's Burial

Hair Brooch worn by Matilda Bergen Beach at Lincoln's Burial

Physical Object from May. 4, 1865

Horatio Nelson Taft Diary, April 30, 1865

Horatio Nelson Taft Diary, April 30, 1865

Diary from Apr. 30, 1865

Letter of Ellen Kean, New York, to Sol Smith, May 4, 1865

Ellen Kean to Sol Smith

Letter from May. 4, 1865

Letter- Invitation to Lincoln Funeral New York

Invitation to Lincoln Funeral, New York

Letter from Apr. 22, 1865

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Mourners on Public Square

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Nellie Blow to Minerva Blow

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Procession Through Washington with the Body of President Lincoln

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