George Washington's Coffin Opened

 

In 1837, George Washington's lead coffin was placed inside the marble sarcophagus that visitors see today.  The coffin was opened in 1837, witnesses reported that Washington's remains were remarkably well preserved because of the lead-lined coffin. A contemporary account states that a section of the lead was carefully lifted back, exposing the head and upper chest. Observers described:

The face as readily recognizable as that of George Washington. The features as shrunken but distinct. The nose retaining its shape. The hair still visible. The dark military cloak in which he had been buried remaining identifiable. The body appearing naturally mummified rather than skeletal.

One witness wrote that the body seemed so well preserved that it looked as though it had been buried only a short time rather than nearly four decades earlier. After the inspection, the coffin was resealed and enclosed within the marble sarcophagus donated by Philadelphia stonecutter John Struthers.

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