On to Philadelphia.... After pausing for services in the Pennsylvania Capitol of Harrisburg, Abraham Lincoln's funeral train continued its long journey, retracing in reverse, the route that Mr. Lincoln had taken to Washington, from his home state of Illinois, some 4 years prior. The next stop after Harrisburg was Philadelphia, where the train would remain for 2 days and a public viewing would be held.
The trainset at the Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster, on the grounds of Stone Gables Estate in Elizabethtown, PA is nothing short of gorgeous. It is easily the most authentic-looking replica of an 1860s train that I have ever seen, currently consisting of a 4-4-0 American Standard Locomotive (the former CP Leviathan), two day coaches and a combine. In addition, the site owns the only existing replica of the Presidential Car "United States", which bore Lincoln's body during the 1865 funeral train. All of this equipment was constructed by Mr. David Kloke of Elgin, IL and he continues to be involved in the project, actively participating in the operation during both of the funeral train re-enactments that I have attended, in 2019 and 2022. While some additional railroad infrastructure has been added in the 3 years since the inaugural event, progress has been slowed due to the pandemic. In the near future, the line, which is currently 6/10 of a mile in length, will be extended to roughly 2 miles. Plans are in place for a water tower, turntable and a station close to the Star Barn facility. The railroad also plans to make use of the remaining, unused span from the Herr's Mill Covered Bridge, on the actual railroad. When it is all done, it should be quite a picturesque operation.
