Washstand Used in Abraham Lincoln's Springfield, Illinois Home, 1840-1860

THF110994 / Washstand Used in Abraham Lincoln's Springfield, Illinois Home, 1840-1860
01

Artifact Overview

Mary Todd Lincoln selected this simple washstand for use in her Springfield, Illinois home. The Museum owns a matching wardrobe. Both pieces are good examples of the taste of the Lincolns in their early married life. Both are decorated with pointed arches in each door panels, identifying them as basic versions of the Gothic Revival style, popular in the early 19th century

Artifact Details

Artifact

Washstand

Date Made

1840-1860

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

30.878.17

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Mahogany (Wood)
Pine (Wood)
Veneer

Technique

Carving (Processes)

Color

Brown

Dimensions

Height: 33 in
Width: 34.5 in
Length: 15 in (depth)

02

Related Content

  • Lithograph, "Mr. Lincoln, Residence and Horse as They Appeared on His Return from the Campaign with Senator Douglas," 1858
    Set

    The Lincolns in Springfield

    • 14 Artifacts
    Abraham and Mary Lincoln purchased a small home in Springfield, Illinois in 1844, shortly after their marriage. In 1856, with a growing family and income, they enlarged the house, seen here. After the 1860 election, they sold most of their furnishings and rented the house. This print, published in 1865 is likely a memorial - it shows a bearded Lincoln, though he did not have one in 1858.
  • THF81975 / Gothic style Sofa, 1840-1860
    article

    Gothic Revival: An “Alternative” Trend for Victorian Americans

      What began as deliciously gloomy in 18th-century England took hold in Victorian America as romantic and picturesque. Learn more about Gothic Revival.
    • Lithograph, "Mr. Lincoln, Residence and Horse As They Appeared On His Return from the Campaign with Senator Douglas"
      article

      At Home with the Lincolns

        The Henry Ford owns a number of furnishings from Abraham and Mary Lincoln’s home in Springfield, Illinois, where they lived before Lincoln was elected president. Learn what these choices say about the Lincolns on our blog.