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Springfield - Illinois - History |
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The first settler, Elisha Kelly, built a cabin (1818-19) on what is now the corner of Klein and Jefferson streets. The city took its name from nearby Spring Creek. Springfield had a population of less than 3,000 when the seat of government was transferred there in 1837 from Vandalia, largely through the efforts of young Abraham Lincoln and eight other members of the Illinois legislature (known as the "Long Nine" because they were all over six feet tall). Lincoln moved to Springfield from New Salem on April 15, 1837, and lived there until he became president in 1861.
The State House (1868-88) is 361 feet (110 m) high at the top of its dome. The Centennial Building (1918-23) commemorates the 100th anniversary of Illinois statehood. The Governor's Mansion was first occupied by Governor Joel A. Matteson in 1855. |
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In the Old State Capitol (1837-53, rebuilt in the 1960s as a state historic site), Lincoln served his last term in the legislature (1840-41), practiced before the state Supreme Court, delivered his "House Divided" address, and maintained an office as president-elect. His body lay in state there (May 4, 1865), and in the historical library is a collection of Lincolniana. The locations of Lincoln's law offices and the Globe Tavern (where his first inaugural speech was written) are marked with bronze plaques. Lincoln's unpretentious house at 8th and Jackson streets has been restored. This home, with the four-block area surrounding it, was designated a national historic site in 1971. In Oak Ridge Cemetery northwest of the city is the Lincoln Tomb, which holds the bodies of Lincoln, his wife, Mary, and their sons Edward, Willie, and Tad. The memorial is 117 feet (36 m) tall and is surmounted by a granite shaft. The First Presbyterian Church contains the Lincoln family pew.
