Lincoln Post Memorial, Newark

In front of the Essex County Courthouse stands the Lincoln Post Memorial, featuring a statue of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. This remarkable sculpture was created by Gutzon Borglum, the artist renowned for carving the iconic heads of four U.S. presidents at Mount Rushmore. The bronze sculpture depicts Lincoln seated at one end of a bench, larger than life size, with his bearded face reflecting a contemplative demeanor. His signature stovepipe hat rests beside him, emphasizing an informal and approachable portrayal that diverges from the traditional, monumental depictions of Lincoln.

The inspiration for this unique composition came from Borglum's research, which revealed that Lincoln often sat alone on a bench in the White House garden to gather his thoughts during the Civil War, especially during times of distress. This setting influenced Borglum to create a statue that captures a moment of quiet reflection, humanizing the president. The bronze statue is set on a low stone platform with five steps, positioned near the steps of the courthouse, inviting passersby to engage with Lincoln's likeness in a more personal manner.

The Lincoln Post Memorial was funded by a $25,000 bequest from Newark businessman Amos Hoagland Van Horn, who passed away in 1908. The sculpture was cast at the Gorham Manufacturing Company foundry in New York and was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt on Memorial Day, May 30, 1911. During the dedication, Roosevelt remarked, "Why this doesn't look like a monument at all!"—a comment that Borglum interpreted as high praise, as it confirmed his intention to create a piece that felt accessible and relatable rather than grandiose.