Lincoln Rustic Scene of Conspiracy

In the Spring of 1876 a gang of counterfeiters plotted to steal the body of Abraham Lincoln from the Tomb in Springfield, Illinois. Hoping to be paid a ransom of $200,000.00 and the release of one of their gang, Ben Boyd, their engraver, who was in the penitentiary.

This was the location of their headquarters in Central Illinois. Here a part of the conspiracy was plotted.

Through the efforts of a man named W. D. Longnecker, a detective, the plot was uncovered and for awhile the plot was foiled here in Mr. Lincoln's namesake city.

In the Fall of 1876 an unsuccessful attempt was made to steal the body of the Martyred President and later the counterfeiters were prosecuted.

Marker is on Pulaski Street, on the left when traveling east.

Courtesy hmdb.org

Credits and Sources:

HMDB