Lincoln catafalque being used for Sen. Lautenberg

[Rhatkinson]

Interesting that it is used for all who lie in state at the Capitol and not just for Presidents.

http://go.usa.gov/bKyB

[LincolnMan]

What an interesting story! I thought it was only used for Lincoln and Kennedy.

[J. Beckert]

Very interesting, but I was disappointed to learn that the draperies have been replaced several times. I always thought it was the same cloth Lincoln laid on. At any rate, it is a sacred relic and it's still an honor to be laid upon it. Thanks, Heath. That was a neat little history lesson!

[Jim Garrett]

The catafalque is stored in the basement of the Capitol, in a room that was suppose to be George Washington's crypt. It is not on the tour of the Capitol. Pieces of the original fabric are at Ford's and other repositories.