If you’re looking for a city that captures a rich history, charming atmosphere, and a unique character all wrapped in one, then Springfield, IL is the place to be. Known for its lovely brick storefronts, captivating architecture, and popular tourist attractions, Springfield, IL is the perfect spot for a getaway.
Whether you are interested in learning more about Abraham Lincoln and the amazing history associated with the town, visiting the beautiful monuments erected as reminders of a different era, or shopping in unique boutiques, Springfield, IL is the ideal destination for anyone looking to explore a unique cultural and historical destination.
Here’s a look at some interesting facts about Springfield, IL, along with some fascinating information about its historical monuments and what makes this city so special.
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1. Springfield has many historic avenues for exploration, including The Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, which was actually Abraham Lincoln’s first law office.
2. The area around Springfield is rich in Native American history; it is home to numerous burial mounds and archaeological sites.
3. The local community theatre, The Legacy, is the longest continuously running amateur community theatre in the United States.
4. Springfield is home to the world’s oldest operating hotel, the Inn at 835, which opened in 1865.
5. There are more than 40 downtown buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including Springfield’s City Hall which was built in 1905.
6. The third-largest state fair in the United States, the Illinois State Fair, is located in Springfield.
7. Springfield is a popular filming location, with productions such as The Outsiders and Road to Perdition among others having used the area.
8. Springfield was at the forefront of brewing in the 19th century, and locals still proudly display more than 100 beer bottles created in the city.
9. The Springfield Underground is a massive aquifer that provides much of the city’s water.
10. President Obama chose Springfield as the site for his inaugural address in 2008.
Springfield, IL is most widely known as the home of President Abraham Lincoln. The city is home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum as well as numerous additional attractions, such as the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Lincoln Tomb, Old State Capitol, and the Dana-Thomas House. It is also home to a variety of festivals throughout the year, including the Illinois State Fair and a popular Fourth of July celebration.
Springfield, Illinois, is a city in Sangamon County, Illinois. Located in the heartland of America, it is the county seat and the state capital of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, the city has a population of 116,250, making it the state’s sixth most populous city.
The city has a rich history going back to the early 1900s, when the area was first settled by European immigrants. It was officially founded in 1818, when the state’s first constitutional convention was held in the nearby village of Kaskaskia. At the time, the city was known as Calhoun, after John C. Calhoun, the United States politician. The city was renamed Springfield the following year, in honor of the city’s place in President Abraham Lincoln’s political life. The city thrived in the 19th century and experienced a population boom in the early 20th century.
Today, Springfield is a bustling city with a vibrant economy. The city is home to the University of Illinois at Springfield, Illinois State University, and a number of prominent businesses. It is also home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, which is located on the grounds of the former Lincoln family home. It is also a hub for art and culture, with popular attractions such as the New Salem State Historic Site, the Sangamon County Fairgrounds, and the Hoogland Center for the Arts. In addition, Springfield is home to a number of cultural festivals and events such as the Illinois State Fair.
The city of Springfield, IL is full of fascinating monuments and buildings with a rich history. From its beginnings as a rising small city in the late 1800s, to its contributions to the Civil War, Springfield has an extensive and fascinating past that many of its monuments and buildings reflect. Here are some of the best, famous monuments and historical buildings in Springfield.
The Old State Capitol stands at the center of downtown Springfield. Constructed in 1837, the sandstone building held Illinois’s government until the current Capitol building was constructed in 1868. This monument is a staple of Springfield, and was even the setting for Abraham Lincoln giving his famous ‘House Divided” speech.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is an interactive museum and library dedicated to the life and legacy of the 16th President of the United States. Here, visitors can view artifacts and memorabilia related to Lincoln and his presidency, learn about his life history, and discover the events that shaped his life.
The Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site is another key monument in Springfield. It is a replica of the small storefront law office that was used by Abraham Lincoln and his partner, William Herndon, from November of 1844 through May of 1852. It is now a state-run museum with a variety of interactive exhibits and interactive reenactments of Lincoln and Herndon’s daily lives.
The Dana-Thomas House is a local National Historic Landmark located in Springfield. It was designed by the world-renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. The house is a great example of the “Prairie Style” of architecture that Wright pioneered. It includes more than 15 grand rooms, wonderful examples of art glass and other Wright-designed furniture, and has a magnificent landscape surrounding the entire house.
Visitors and locals alike can enjoy a unique experience within Springfield as these monuments and buildings bring alive the city’s fascinating past. From the grand Old State Capitol to the unique architectural masterpiece of the Dantana-Thomas House, there is much to explore and learn about in Springfield that can’t be found anywhere else.
Welcome to Springfield, Illinois! Whether you’re coming as a history buff, to experience the city’s vibrant downtown, or to sample some of the best local cuisine in the state, there’s something for everyone in “The Land of Lincoln.”
1. Where to Stay
Serving as the state’s capital city since 1837, Springfield has plenty of options when it comes to accommodation. Visitors might choose to stay at one of Springfield’s city-centered hotels, including the Wyndham Springfield City Centre, the Hilton Garden Inn Springfield, and the Alamo Inn & Suites. Other alternatives closer to nature include the Butler Bed and Breakfast and the Crowne Plaza Springfield.
2. What to Do
Begin your day with a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Learn all about the beloved president’s life as well as his impact on America and the world. After that, take a walk through the Springfield Historic District, a two square-mile area of the city with dozens of unique buildings constructed during different eras. Don’t forget to make your way to the Old State Capitol, the building where Lincoln once served as a legislator. Afterwards, head over to the Springfield Museum of Art to browse its collections of 19th- and 20th-century American, European, and Japanese art. Alternatively, visitors with an interest in science and nature may embark on an exploration of the Davidson-Dickson Nature Preserve, a nearby protected area that is home to forest, prairies, streams, and a variety of wildlife.
3. Where to Eat
Springfield offers lots of great food options to visitors, as well. Start with breakfast at the cozy Baker Boys Bakery and Cafe and lunch at any of the local pubs and brewpubs, such as Augie’s Front Burner or Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery and Eatery. For dinner, head over to 2-19 Cafe for some upscale Italian fare, or check out Pere Marquette for some classic American-style seafood. Vegetarians and vegans may want to try the vegan-friendly Chocolat Crave Cafe, and for an atmosphere of local history, visit the cozy Rosen Shepherd Co.
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