Lincoln's Gettysburg Saddle

[Gettysburg Greg]

This saddle on display in the Lincoln bedroom in the Wills house in Gettysburg is reportedly the saddle used by Abraham Lincoln when he rode to the cemetery to deliver the Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863. In the background is the Lincoln bed where he slept on the night of November 18. According to eye witnesses, Lincoln's horse was a bit too small for him and his feet nearly touched the ground as he rode to the cemetery. Including paining showing Lincoln passing the witness sycamore on Baltimore Street.

 

[shipmodeler]

I can imagine that many horses were "a bit too small" for Lincoln.

 

[WJC]

View attachment 137350
This saddle on display in the Lincoln bedroom in the Wills house in Gettysburg is reportedly the saddle used by Abraham Lincoln when he rode to the cemetery to deliver the Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863. In the background is the Lincoln bed where he slept on the night of November 18. According to eye witnesses, Lincoln's horse was a bit too small for him and his feet nearly touched the ground as he rode to the cemetery. Including paining showing Lincoln passing the witness sycamore on Baltimore Street.
View attachment 137352

Thanks for posting this. I haven't been to the 'downtown' Lincoln displays in years. looks like a lot has changed.
There used to be a cast likeness- a 'life mask'- is it still on display at Gettysburg?

 

[WJC]

Lincoln's horse was a bit too small for him and his feet nearly touched the ground as he rode ....

Kinda like Longstreet's monument....
(Sorry, the Devil made me do it!)

 

[Dom71]

Thanks for posting this. In all the trips over the years I have never been in the Wills house. I will have to get there next time.

 

[Dom71]

Kinda like Longstreet's monument....
(Sorry, the Devil made me do it!)

and I thought I was the only one who thought that monument was ... disproportionate

 

[WJC]

and I thought I was the only one who thought that monument was ... disproportionate

Thanks for your response.
There are at least two of us....

 

[KansasFreestater]

View attachment 137350
This saddle on display in the Lincoln bedroom in the Wills house in Gettysburg is reportedly the saddle used by Abraham Lincoln when he rode to the cemetery to deliver the Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863. In the background is the Lincoln bed where he slept on the night of November 18. According to eye witnesses, Lincoln's horse was a bit too small for him and his feet nearly touched the ground as he rode to the cemetery. Including paining showing Lincoln passing the witness sycamore on Baltimore Street.
View attachment 137352

I think that bed might have been a little too short for him too!

 

[KansasFreestater]

I think it's interesting that he rode a horse instead of riding in a horse-drawn buggy or carriage.
I'm guessing maybe it was because he wanted to avoid the appearance of ostentation on such a solemn, humbling occasion.

 

[Warren]

I can imagine that many horses were "a bit too small" for Lincoln.

Here's a twist: Imagine Lincoln on Longstreet's Memorial horse...LOL

 

[WJC]

Here's a twist: Imagine Lincoln on Longstreet's Memorial horse...LOL

LOL! AKA the 'Gettysburg pony'....

 

[Dom71]

I read somewhere once and I'm sorry to say I can't remember who wrote it, but it was a soldier who would protect him when he was about. He said he always looked awkward riding. Half the time his pants would ride up his leg showing his long underwear. Aids would beg him to take the carriage but at times he liked ride. problem was he wasn't a very good horseman so they would have to find some old nag for him to ride which didn't help the image.