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FDR's Last Journey: A Long and Laborious Farewell

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President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's death on April 12, 1945, shocked the nation. The beloved leader had guided the United States through the Great Depression and World War II, and his passing was a profound loss. Roosevelt's body was taken to the White House, where it lay in state for two days. On April 14, a funeral train carrying his body departed Washington, D.C., for Warm Springs, Georgia, where he would be buried.

FDR's Last Journey

by Tim Gunn

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The train traveled over 1,000 miles and made stops in several cities along the way. Thousands of people lined the tracks to pay their respects to the fallen leader. In Atlanta, Georgia, the train was met by a large crowd of mourners, including Governor Ellis Arnall and Mayor William Hartsfield. The train also stopped in Birmingham, Alabama; Montgomery, Alabama; and Jackson, Mississippi, before arriving in Warm Springs on April 15.

Roosevelt's body was buried in the Rose Garden at the Little White House, his winter retreat in Warm Springs. A simple headstone marks his grave, which is visited by thousands of people each year.

Roosevelt's last journey was a long and laborious affair, but it was also a fitting tribute to a great leader. The thousands of people who lined the tracks to pay their respects showed the deep affection that the American people had for their president.

The Funeral Train

The funeral train that carried Roosevelt's body was a specially equipped train that had been used for the funerals of other presidents, including Abraham Lincoln and William McKinley. The train consisted of 12 cars, including a baggage car, a kitchen car, a dining car, a sleeping car, and a funeral car.

The funeral car was the most elaborate car on the train. It was painted black and gold and had a large window on one side so that mourners could view the casket. The casket was made of mahogany and was lined with lead. It was covered with a black velvet pall and was adorned with a silver cross.

The train was pulled by a steam locomotive and was staffed by a crew of over 100 people. The train traveled at a slow speed, so that people along the tracks could get a good view of the casket.

The Funeral Route

The funeral train traveled over 1,000 miles from Washington, D.C., to Warm Springs, Georgia. The train made stops in several cities along the way, including Atlanta, Georgia; Birmingham, Alabama; Montgomery, Alabama; and Jackson, Mississippi.

The train's route was carefully planned so that it would pass through as many major cities as possible. The train also made stops in small towns and rural areas, so that people from all walks of life could pay their respects to the fallen leader.

The train's journey was a slow and laborious one. The train often had to stop for repairs and to take on water and coal. However, the train's crew was determined to get Roosevelt's body to Warm Springs as quickly as possible.

The Mourners

Thousands of people lined the tracks to pay their respects to Roosevelt as the funeral train passed by. The mourners were from all walks of life, and they came from all over the country. Many of the mourners had lost loved ones in the war, and they saw Roosevelt as a symbol of hope and strength.

The mourners were often emotional as the train passed by. Some people cried, while others simply stood in silence. However, all of the mourners showed their respect for the fallen leader.

Roosevelt's funeral was a national event, and it was a fitting tribute to a great leader. The thousands of people who lined the tracks to pay their respects showed the deep affection that the American people had for their president.

FDR's Last Journey

by Tim Gunn

4 out of 5