Abe Lincoln's Legacy To Be Remembered At Bristol Location Where He Stopped

The location of the planned installation. Credit: Raising the Bar

Bristol Borough plans to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 1861 visit with a project that will transform a preserved section of railroad track into an educational and artistic landmark.

The project, which is spearheaded by nonprofit Bristol Borough: Raising the Bar, is centered around a 75-foot section of original railroad track preserved by Bristol Borough Council approximately 35 years ago during a Rails to Trails program. This track section is believed to be where Lincoln’s train stopped during his visit as he headed to Washington D.C. to be sworn in as president.

“Abraham Lincoln was on his way to his swearing in Washington D.C. on February 21, 1861, he stopped in Bristol Borough,” explains Bill Pezza, of Raising the Bar. “It was the 83rd stop of 93 stops along the way. It was a 1,900-mile journey.”

The historical significance of the visit is marked by a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission plaque, which notes that a crowd of approximately 1,000 people gathered to see Lincoln.

“You can imagine the tension by the time he made this trip,” Pezza said. “Before he’s even sworn in, the Southern states said, ‘if Abraham Lincoln wins, we’re going to leave the Union.’ And before he even made this trip, seven states have left the Union.”

Rather than attempting to recreate the exact historical scene with an actual train car, the project will feature artistic steel silhouettes representing Lincoln and the crowd that gathered to see him.

“What you see here is a combination of silhouettes that are going to be steel, 38-inch steel welded to steel plates that you won’t see, that will be affixed to sonotubes underground,” Pezza explained. “Those babies weigh a couple hundred pounds each, if not more, and they will form the silhouette of the images.”

The planned installation will include a life-size figure of Lincoln standing on a platform, with surrounding silhouettes representing the crowd. The design allows visitors to walk among the figures, creating an immersive historical experience.

A rendering of the proposal. Credit: Raising the Bar

“We wanted to do something artistic but not the standard old just painting. So we thought this would be pretty cool,” Pezza said.

Educational elements at the planned installation will include two pedestals, which are similar to those at Riverport Plaza, that will tell the story of Lincoln’s visit and its historical context.

The project also incorporates interactive technology through QR codes that will allow visitors to hear recordings of Lincoln’s speeches, according to Pezza.

“You can walk up to the placard, click on the QR code. You’ll be hearing Abraham Lincoln giving a speech,” Pezza said.

The project aims to receive financial support through a state grant secured by State Rep. Tina Davis.

While the final cost remains undetermined, Raising the Bar plans to fundraise for any expenses exceeding the grant amount, Pezza said.

Special attention is being given to the installation’s nighttime appearance, with plans for lighting that will highlight Lincoln’s figure.

“We feel very strongly that we want this project to look just as good, if not better at night than it does during the day,” Pezza said. “The most illuminated part of that is going to be on top of Lincoln. It’s going to be shining down on Lincoln.”

Alan Hermely, a board member for Raising the Bar, noted the project’s broader significance beyond its artistic merit.

“This project is just indicative of one of those many projects that I’ve witnessed here in town,” Hermely said. “This is more than just public art. It’s an opportunity to preserve the local history, promote civic pride and boost cultural tourism.”

The organization plans a dedication ceremony featuring a Lincoln reenactor and people in Civil War-era attire. They also intend to collaborate with the nearby school to involve students in the project.

Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe said the council supports the project.

“Council’s here. Whatever you need,” he said.

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