Mary Todd Lincoln’s seances in the White House, her husband’s seemingly prescient dreams about the death of a president, and Mary’s insanity trial are three subjects explored by Garret Moffett on “Lincoln’s Ghost Walk: Legends & Lore,” the most popular tour available from Springfield Walks, a lesser-known but interesting thing to do during a Lincoln-centered visit to Springfield.
The 90-minute tour meets in front of Lincoln’s former law office near the Old State Capitol and covers 10 history-rich blocks.
A Macomb native, Moffett has hosted the Springfield tours for six years and leads the walk in character as Ward Hill Lamon, Lincoln’s personal bodyguard.
The real Lamon was haunted by the fact that he was assigned to other duties during Lincoln’s fateful visit to Ford’s Theatre. After the assassination, Lamon accompanied the president’s body back to Springfield.
Lincoln’s Tomb has a colorful history of ghost-sightings, looting attempts and exhumations, which Moffett recounts during the evening tour. Moffett describes how, before the grave finally was sealed under tons of concrete in 1901, the president’s identity was “verified” through a hole cut in his coffin.
“Seven witnesses, according to historical accounts, immediately noticed how well-preserved he was after 36 years,” Moffett said. “The mole on his right cheek was still apparent, Lincoln’s right eye droop was still noticeable.”
To continue the spooky tale, call 217-502-8687 or visit springfieldwalks.com. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children 8 to 11, and free for younger children. (Moffett promises to keep the tours age-appropriate for kids.)
