Rocking Chair Used in Abraham Lincoln's Springfield, Illinois Home, 1845-1860

THF80442 / Rocking Chair Used in Abraham Lincoln's Springfield, Illinois Home, 1845-1860

Artifact Overview

This rocking chair is part of a group of furniture owned by the Lincoln Family in Springfield, Illinois. When Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860, this chair and other furnishings were sold to a neighbor, whose family retained them until 1930, when they were purchased for the Museum. This was a standard type of middle class rocker that became associated with President Lincoln.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Rocking chair

Date Made

1845-1860

Place of Creation

United States

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

30.878.15.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Horsehair
Mahogany
Upholstery
Veneer

Technique

Carving (Processes)
Upholstering
Veneering

Color

Black (Color)
Brown

Dimensions

Height: 39.5 in
Width: 23 in
Depth: 33 in

Keywords	United States, Illinois, Springfield Rocking chairs Chairs (Furniture forms) Furniture United States presidents Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882 Wilton, Harry, b. 1794 Lincoln Home National Historic Site (Springfield, Ill.) Empire (Style)

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.