If you cannot see images at all on my site click here for an explanation
Home
Index American Civil War
First Posted: Aug 8, 2012
Jan 21, 2020

Abraham Lincoln and His Horse, Old Bob or Old Robin

Image: Public Domain
Old Bob was the "Riderless Horse" used in Lincoln's funeral procession.

This statue of Abraham Lincoln and his horse, Old Bob, was created by Ivan Schwartz. The statue is made of bronze. It is life size and done as true to the times as possible. It should also be noted that old photos, clothing and skulls were studied. The skills of a forensic scientist were also used by New York-based StudioEIS. "For the statue of Lincoln, Mr. Schwartz and his team examined all the photos taken of the president and the life casts of his face and hands from 1860. Lincoln's surviving coat and top hat, now in the collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, were measured to accurately reflect the president's daily garb. 'He was 6 feet 4 inches, and wore a size 14 shoe,' notes the artist.

The saddled horse next to the sculpted Lincoln also took intensive research. The artists studied 19th-century equestrian statues in New York City and a photo of Old Bob, Lincoln's favorite horse. In consultation with equine experts, they chose an American Standardbred as the model for the sculpture." Honest Abe and Old Bob.

Image: Copyright HorseHints.org Image: Copyright HorseHints.org
Lincoln's Cottage

Image: Copyright HorseHints.org Image: Copyright HorseHints.org
Image: Copyright HorseHints.org Image: Copyright HorseHints.org

Note on Lincoln's Cottage: Time is usually limited when traveling. With that constraint, Lincoln's Cottage is out of the way and not readily accessible especially to individuals and families who are touring. There is so much to see in Washington, DC. Better use of your time would be to skip this unless, of course, you have a specific passion for this genre. It is also important to mention that reservations are advised as tours fill up. No concessions are made if tours are to capacity, I was told by Cottage staff, for those who arrive without reservations. You are unable to get into the cottage without being with a tour. There are gounds to see and the statue you see in the video, Old Bob. However, the ticket costs add up especially if you are a family. It is difficult enough to navigate in an unfamiliar city without adding more obstacles and worries such as these. Photography is forbidden inside the cottage without special prior permission, signatures and approvals from both sides. Other than the wonderful statue, it was a disappointment. There is nothing to see inside the cottage, however, one gets a feel of where Lincoln worked on the Emancipation Proclamation.

Image: Public Domain
Old Bob was the "Riderless Horse" used in Lincoln's funeral procession.

This statue of Abraham Lincoln and his horse, Old Bob, was created by Ivan Schwartz. The statue is made of bronze. It is life size and done as true to the times as possible. It should also be noted that old photos, clothing and skulls were studied. The skills of a forensic scientist were also used by New York-based StudioEIS. "For the statue of Lincoln, Mr. Schwartz and his team examined all the photos taken of the president and the life casts of his face and hands from 1860. Lincoln's surviving coat and top hat, now in the collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, were measured to accurately reflect the president's daily garb. 'He was 6 feet 4 inches, and wore a size 14 shoe,' notes the artist.

The saddled horse next to the sculpted Lincoln also took intensive research. The artists studied 19th-century equestrian statues in New York City and a photo of Old Bob, Lincoln's favorite horse. In consultation with equine experts, they chose an American Standardbred as the model for the sculpture." Honest Abe and Old Bob.

Image: Copyright HorseHints.org Image: Copyright HorseHints.org
Lincoln's Cottage

Image: Copyright HorseHints.org Image: Copyright HorseHints.org
Image: Copyright HorseHints.org Image: Copyright HorseHints.org

Note on Lincoln's Cottage: Time is usually limited when traveling. With that constraint, Lincoln's Cottage is out of the way and not readily accessible especially to individuals and families who are touring. There is so much to see in Washington, DC. Better use of your time would be to skip this unless, of course, you have a specific passion for this genre. It is also important to mention that reservations are advised as tours fill up. No concessions are made if tours are to capacity, I was told by Cottage staff, for those who arrive without reservations. You are unable to get into the cottage without being with a tour. There are gounds to see and the statue you see in the video, Old Bob. However, the ticket costs add up especially if you are a family. It is difficult enough to navigate in an unfamiliar city without adding more obstacles and worries such as these. Photography is forbidden inside the cottage without special prior permission, signatures and approvals from both sides. Other than the wonderful statue, it was a disappointment. There is nothing to see inside the cottage, however, one gets a feel of where Lincoln worked on the Emancipation Proclamation.

For More Information:

Abraham Lincoln - and His Horse - Arrive in Washington, DC
President Lincoln's Cottage at the Old Soldiers' Home
Honest Abe and Old Bob

Home
Index American Civil War