Bristol Celebrates Lincoln's 1861 Stop

Hundreds gathered Tuesday evening in Bristol Borough to celebrate the dedication of a new monument honoring President-elect Abraham Lincoln’s sole stop in Bucks County on Feb. 21, 1861, during his inaugural train journey.

The installation is a project by Bristol Borough: Raising the Bar, a local civic group, and is located on the side of the Snyder-Girotti School in the 300 block of Pond Street.

The display combines history and art to commemorate Lincoln’s legacy on the borough and nation.

The display features a covered train platform, steel silhouette figures depicting Lincoln and the estimated 1,000-strong crowd that greeted him, heritage signage, lighting, and 75 feet of preserved train track saved when the old rail line was removed three decades ago.

At the monument, QR codes link to Lincoln’s speeches to allow visitors to listen to recorded versions.

Bill Pezza, a history professor and president of Bristol Borough: Raising the Bar, said the monument brings educational value for borough students and visitors to the riverfront town.

“This belongs to all of us,” Pezza told the crowd.

The dedication ceremony included performances by the Men of Harmony singing group and Keith Spencer from the Bristol Riverside Theater. Actor Keith Baker recited Walt Whitman’s poem “O Captain! My Captain!” Teacher John Roche read Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address for the crowd.

John Roche reciting the Gettysburg Address. Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com

During his reading of the Gettyburg’s address, Roche said the iconic speech is “so short but says so much.”

The project received funding through a state grant, borough funds, and public donations. Additional backing came from Visit Bucks County, Bucks County government, the Redevelopment Authority of Bucks County, and the Bristol Borough School District.

State Rep. Tina Davis, D-Bucks, told the crowd of her support for the project and her satisfaction with securing state funding.

State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, a former teacher, highlighted the historical context of Lincoln’s train journey, noting the threat posed by agents of the treasonous confederacy.

“This display will be important for teaching future generations,” Santarsiero said.

Bristol Borough Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe thanked Bristol Borough: Raising the Bar and residents for their support.

Pezza acknowledged the crucial contributions from local officials, area businesses, and generous residents. He said volunteers were working on the display up until hours before the ceremony.

Bristol Borough was Lincoln’s only stop in Bucks County on his way to Washington, D.C. After his assassination, Lincoln’s body passed through the borough by train.