Springfield did not exist when statehood was granted to Illinois in 1818, but in 1837 it was chosen as the state capital. The city is rich in memories of Abraham Lincoln who lived here for 24 years. He practiced law with his partner William H. Herndon in the Tinsley Building on the 2nd floor between 1843-1852 (said to be the only surviving structure in which he maintained working law offices), married, and is buried in Springfield.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum on 6th Street offers galleries featuring exhibits of historic items and multi-media presentations.
The Elijah Iles house is the oldest surviving home in Springfield and was home to Springfield's first merchant and a friend and supporter of Lincoln.
The Lincoln Depot Historic Site originally was where Lincoln made his farewell address before leaving to assume the presidency, This concise and emotional speech has been compared with the Gettysburg Address for its eloquence.
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site was the only home Lincoln ever owned. It was built in 1839 and purchased by him in 1844. Restored to look as it did in the 1860's, the home is part of a four-block historic district. The Lincoln family lived in the home for 17 years. It was in the formal parlor that Lincoln was asked by representatives of the Republican National Convention in May 1860 to be their presidential nominee.
The Old State Capitol was where Lincoln spoke the immortal words "a house divided against itself cannot stand" in the turbulent days preceding the Civil War. On May 3 & 4, 1865, Mr. Lincoln's body lay in state in Representatives Hall as a crowd estimated at 75,000 filed past to pay their last respects.
The Illinois State Museum features a 50 foot Lincoln Proud Raven Totem Pole guarding its entrance. It was carved around 1883 by a chief of the Raven clan in Alaska.
Pictured above:
1. entrance to Lincoln's home
2. Lincoln Library and Museum
3. Supreme Court Building
4. Old State Capitol
5. Lincoln's home
