A full-size replica of the train that carried President Abraham Lincoln’s body across the United States more than 150 years ago will be on display at the Indiana Welcome Center Thursday, Oct. 8 through Sunday, Oct. 11.
Because the Lincoln funeral train has attracted thousands of visitors each day that it has been on display at other host sites, the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority is seeking volunteers to assist with crowd control.
“Previous stops for the Lincoln funeral train have garnered more than 15,000 visitors. We anticipate this to be an exciting and educational display, attracting visitors from throughout the Midwest,” said Speros A. Batistatos, president and CEO of the South Shore CVA.
In addition to hosting school groups and special events, the South Shore CVA will offer visitors the opportunity to purchase tours of the funeral train car.
The train was created by the 2015 Lincoln Funeral Train group to commemorate the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and funeral. It is a near-exact replica of the historic train that carried President Lincoln’s body from Washington, D.C., to Springfield, Ill.
The Indiana Welcome Center is located at 7770 Corinne Drive in Hammond. For more information on tours, special events and field trip opportunities, contact Bethany Randolph at 219-554-2229 or bethany@southshorecva.com. To learn about volunteering and sponsorship opportunities, contact Katie Holderby at 219-989-7770 or katie@southshorecva.com.
