Lincoln’s Tomb to harness geothermal energy

Lincoln's Oak Ridge Cemetery tomb in Illinois is going to be heated and cooled with a brand new $282,000 geothermal energy system.

We think this is particularly appropriate for the Lincoln Tomb because Abraham Lincoln is the only president to hold a U.S. patent,” [Illinois Historic Preservation Agency spokesman David] Blanchette said. “He was fascinated by the latest inventions and the latest technology, so we certainly think it’s appropriate to use this latest green technology on his final resting place.” Lincoln’s patent was for a device to help free riverboats that got stuck on sandbars.

Link (Thanks, Julie!)

[#1 posted by Stefan Jones , December 13, 2007 1:27 PM]

In other news, Lincoln's own corpse will generate electricity by spinning around in a sarcophagus fitted with generator coils.

[#2 posted by Halloween Jack , December 13, 2007 2:16 PM]

In yet other news, Lincoln will be cloned into an army of unstoppable mech-armored warriors, by me. (Mech armor will be invented by Tesla clone.)

[#3 posted by TheFirstMan , December 13, 2007 5:24 PM]

I think he'd be delighted. I don't know about the reanimation of his corpse, though. He seemed to believe in some sort of deity. The mental image of Lincoln's corpse spinning within a generator is an indefatigable moodlifter, however. Thank you boingboing.

[#4 posted by Ken Hansen , December 13, 2007 5:51 PM]

You know, there were attempts to steal Lincoln's remains from his tomb...

Also, the patent held by Lincoln is described here