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What is a Catafalque?
A catafalque is a raised platform that supports a casket. Lincolns catafalque was made of simple pine boards and covered with black cloth.
The catafalque still exists: It is occasionally on view in the exhibit hall at the United States Capitol Visitor Center. It is still used for those who lay in state at the Capitol Rotunda -- from presidents and politicians to heroes like the Unknown Soldier and civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks. |