Second Time Capsule Found in Robert E. Lee Statue, Expected to Contain Rare Photo of Lincoln

A second time capsule has been discovered inside the pedestal of the Robert E. Lee statue recently torn down in Richmond, Virginia.

There had long been rumors of a time capsule from 1887 hidden inside the statue containing Confederate items and a rare photo of Abraham Lincoln.

After the statue was removed, a time capsule was discovered — but it did not contain any of the expected artifacts. Instead, it contained damaged books, a silver coin and an envelope with some papers.

Eleven days later, on Monday evening, crews working on the pedestal found a second one.

“This appears to be the time capsule that historians believe was placed on October 27, 1887— it is made of copper and matches the size listed in the historical record. Records from the Library of Virginia suggest that 37 Richmond residents, organizations, and businesses contributed about 60 objects to the capsule, many of which are believed to be related to the Confederacy.,” Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said in a statement.