Arts & Entertainment, Government, Neighbors

Lincoln Monument To Be Unveiled In Bristol

July 17, 2025

A rendering of the proposal. Credit: Raising the Bar

Bristol Borough is set to unveil its new Abraham Lincoln monument next week with a ceremony.

The dedication ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, at the monument on the side of the Snyder-Girotti School in the 300 block of Pond Street.

The interactive installation combines history, art and Lincoln’s legacy, marking his sole stop in Bucks County during his inaugural train journey from Springfield, Illinois, to Washington D.C. on Feb. 21, 1861.

The site features 75 feet of preserved train track near the approximate location of Lincoln’s visit.

The commemorative installation includes a covered train platform, steel silhouette figures depicting Lincoln and the crowd that greeted him, heritage signage, lighting, landscaping and a digital storytelling component. QR codes will link to Lincoln’s speeches, and visitors can listen to recorded speeches, including one by Councilman Lee Cousin.

“We believe this will be a perfect blend of history and art. It’s a unique space in Bucks County,” said Bill Pezza, of Bristol Borough: Raising the Bar. “It’s something we can all take pride in, and I think the town will really appreciate it.”

The dedication ceremony will feature performances by the Men of Harmony singing group and Keith Spencer from the Bristol Riverside Theater performing a spiritual. Keith Baker will recite Walt Whitman’s poem “O Captain! My Captain!” A local resident also will read the Gettysburg Address during the event.

The monument includes figurines representing the estimated 1,000 people who gathered to hear Lincoln speak during his short stop in Bristol.

The project is funded by a state grant and public donations, including a $5,000 contribution from the Bristol Borough Council.