President Lincoln purchased a bed with rosewood bed frames that is almost 8 feet long and 6 feet wide. It has a huge headboard and large footboard that is decorated with carved grapes, grapevines, and birds. Originally it was in the Prince of Wales Guest Room. Willie Lincoln died in the White House at age 11 in the bed on February 20, 1862.

Most experts believe that the bed was probably never used by President Lincoln. The original mattress was made of horsehair and was replaced by Barbara Bush. It was used by Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Calvin Coolidge. In 1945 it was moved to the Lincoln Bedroom by President Truman where it has remained since.