Why didn't Mary visit the Holy Land?

[Tom Emery]

I'm with Rob -- those are some good observations.

It's also interesting to note that she continued a friendship with James Smith, the pastor from the First Presbyterian Church in Springfield, for much of her life, and certainly after Lincoln's death.

Of course, that does not automatically mean she would have been interested in visiting the Holy Land. But, as an earlier post said, was she questioning her faith?

Also, she may have been comfortable with Dr. Smith based on personal friendship and support alone, and not as a result of spiritual well-being. Dr. Smith was a staunch defender of hers, and spoke out against Herndon over Ann Rutledge (not arguing the existence of a romance, Rob -- just noting that Dr. Smith spoke out on Mary's behalf at the time).

Am I right in remembering that Lincoln and Mary discussed the Holy Land in their carriage ride on the afternoon of April 14, 1865?

In that carriage ride, they discussed their wish for future travel, and Mary certainly did enough of that on her own. But the Holy Land question is a good one to ponder -- thanks, Rob.