Looking back at Lincoln: On April 24, 1865

The only known photo of Lincoln lying in state is from New York (Secretary of War Edwin Stanton had insisted that no photos be taken of Lincoln lying inside his coffin.)

On this day in 1865, The Lincoln Express made the 86-mile trip from Philadelphia's Kensington Station, through New Jersey, and on to New York. It arrived in Jersey City at 10:00 a.m. (however the station clock hands were frozen at exactly 7:20, the time of Lincoln's death.)

Lincoln's coffin was carried off the train and taken across the Hudson River on a ferry. It was then brought to New York's City Hall, carried up the circular staircase under the rotunda, and placed on a black velvet dais.

The public was admitted after 1:00 P.M., and according to accounts, at one point there were over 500,000 people in line waiting to view the late president.