The History of Springfield
Though Illinois officially became a state in 1819, the city that would eventually become its capital was not settled till a year later when Elisha Kelly, a settler from North Carolina decided to call it home. In 1832 the town was officially named Springfield. A mere five years later, in 1837, the state capital was moved from Vandalia to Springfield, an effort spearheaded by a young Abraham Lincoln. The arrival of a railroad in 1852 lead to major growth in both the population and economy for Springfield. By the time Lincoln left his Springfield home for the White House, the population was nearly 10,000.
There are two state capitol buildings and the governor’s mansion in Springfield. The first was completed in 1854 but was replaced 22 years later because the state government outgrew it. It was in this building that Lincoln first confronted Stephen A. Douglas and made his “House Divided” speech. The current state capitol building has been in use since 1876. The Old State Capitol was repurchased by the state in 1961 from Sangamon County and in 1966 was rebuilt with modern amenities and staff facilities. On December 3, 1968 the Old Capitol was officially rededicated.
The history of Springfield and the life of Abraham Lincoln will forever be connected. While he was not born in Springfield, he lived there for 24 years and championed the efforts to make it the state capitol in 1837. President Lincoln is buried in the Oak Ridge Cemetery and Springfield is the home of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Springfield Today
Today Springfield has a population of 113,000 people and serves as the headquarters for 12 major insurance companies and more than 165 state, regional, and national associations. Located between Chicago and St. Louis on historic Route 66, Springfield is not only the capitol of Illinois, but also a connection to the entire nation. With Lincoln Community College, University of Illinois Springfield, and Springfield College of Illinois all calling the Springfield area home, Springfield is without a doubt a major higher education destination. As the state capitol Springfield is the home of hundreds of Illinois State agencies, including the Board of Education, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Office of the Secretary of State.
Springfield is the birthplace of Adlai Stevenson, the 31st governor of Illinois and twice the nominee for president by the Democratic Party, in 1952 and 1956. Springfield is also the birthplace of famous athletes Jayson Werth and Andre Iguodala.
Springfield Attractions
Springfield is home to a variety of fascinating historical sites related to Illinois and Abraham Lincoln history. The Lincoln Tomb and Memorial as well as the Lincoln Family Home are both open to the public and admission is free. Additionally, tours of the Illinois Executive Mansion, Capitol, and Old State Capitol are available. The new Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum offers a state of the art glimpse into the President’s life and impact on the nation. For more modern history, Springfield offers Shea’s Gas Station Museum, which has a unique collection of Route 66 memorabilia, and the Route 66 Twin Drive in Theater, which shows double features 1950’s style all summer.
The Illinois State Orchestra, multiple art galleries, theaters, and famous restaurants can be found in Springfield. There are also eleven golf courses, five hiking trails, and many parks and wildlife preserves. The Illinois State Fair, the International Carillon Festival, and Old Capitol Art Fair all take place in Springfield.
