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

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Artifact Overview

Mary and Abraham Lincoln often hosted dinners and parties at their Springfield, Illinois, home. This simple and light chair, one of a set of six, would have provided convenient seating for guests. When the Lincolns left for the White House in 1861, Harry Wilton, an acquaintance of the Lincolns, bought the set of chairs. The set was later purchased by Henry Ford from Wilton's descendants.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Side chair

Date Made

1845-1860

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

30.878.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cane (Plant material)
Maple (Wood)

Technique

Carving (Processes)
Weaving

Color

Brown

Dimensions

Height: 32.25 in
Width: 17.25 in
Depth: 17 in

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

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    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.