Having one's remains lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda is a rare honor reserved for only a select few former presidents. This tradition, governed by concurrent action by the House and Senate, has gained popularity in the 21st century as it allows the public to pay their respects to these esteemed leaders.
The first president to be accorded this honor was President Abraham Lincoln in 1865, following his assassination. Subsequently, James Garfield received the tribute in 1881 after succumbing to injuries inflicted by an assassin.
