In 1875 counterfeiting was a major problem in the US, but no one was more talented than Benjamin Boyd. He could make coney (counterfeit money) so good it would fool the experts. His arrest caused a stir in the counterfeiting rings of Chicago, and members of his gang come together in a smokey saloon to plot a way to get him out.
They figured they could steal Abraham Lincoln's body and hold it ransom for $200,000 that they would use to get Boyd out of prison. Thus begins a tale of thieves, undercover informers, and secret service operations.
Read Steve Sheinkin's account of this true story including a special "Body Snatcher Bonus Section" that is pretty gross!
Here are some photos of Lincoln's tomb from my trip to Springfield a couple of years ago.
The cemetery is still fairly isolated like it was in 1875.
Lincoln's remains are sealed inside this marble box.
This is a back window to the monument, now barred to keep potential thieves and vandals away.
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