Petersburg, Illinois: Grave of Lincoln's Sweetheart

Ann Rutledge died in 1835. Years later she was dug up and moved here by an undertaker who wanted to attract visitors to this cemetery.

Oakland Cemetery

Address:: Oakland Cemetery Rd, Petersburg, IL
Directions:: Oakland Cemetery. At the south end of town, from IL-123/Old Salem Rd, turn west at the gazebo onto E. Lincoln Ave. Drive past 11th St. then turn left onto Oakland Ave. Drive south a half-mile. Cemetery entrance on the right; there are signs pointing to Ann's grave.

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Where Lincoln Wept

A monument in Old Concord Cemetery marks the original burial site of Ann Rutledge, Abe Lincolns early love. One side of the stone reads, "Original grave of Anna Mayes Rutledge, Jan 7, 1813 - Aug 25, 1835, Where Lincoln wept." The inscription on the reverse side includes a quote from young Abe about him visiting Anns grave: "I cannot bear to think of her out there alone in the storm."

[Kurt Deion / kurtshistoricsites.com, 04/20/2022]

Historical marker.

Grave of Ann Rutledge

Ann Rutledge is considered to be the first love of Abraham Lincoln. She is also mentioned as his love in a poem written by Edgar Lee Masters, which are engraved on her granite monument.

[Michael Sears, 08/30/2021]

Ann's grave didn't become an attraction -- and the subject of early postcards -- until years after her death. She was dug up and moved to this site by an undertaker who wanted to attract visitors to this cemetery.

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