Springfield – Home of Honest Abe
Springfield, Illinois, a city steeped in history and brimming with Midwestern charm, holds a unique place in the American narrative. As the state’s capital, the county seat of Sangamon County, and a significant stop along the iconic Route 66, Springfield boasts a diverse identity. However, it is perhaps best known as the adopted home of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, forever solidifying its connection to "Honest Abe."
The story of Springfield begins with humble roots, tracing back to the early 19th century when westward expansion was in full swing. In the spring of 1819, John Kelly, accompanied by his wife Mary, their five children, and his brother Elisha, ventured into the Illinois Territory, marking the genesis of the settlement. The following year, in 1820, the Kellys erected the first cabin at the intersection of Second and Jefferson Streets, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving community.
Attracted by the region’s fertile soil and burgeoning trade opportunities, other pioneers soon followed the Kellys, migrating from states like North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky. These early settlers brought with them a spirit of self-reliance and a determination to carve out a new life on the prairie.
The official birth of the town occurred in 1821 when Zachariah Peter, William Drennan, and Rivers Cormack drove a stake into the ground near John Kelly’s field, formally establishing a settlement. Initially named Calhoun, in honor of Senator John C. Calhoun of South Carolina, the fledgling town quickly began to develop. A trail that ran past Kelly’s cabin, used to transport supplies from the Illinois River, evolved into the first street, appropriately named Jefferson Street. That same year, Elijah Iles established the first store, stocking it with goods transported from St. Louis, Missouri, signifying the growing commercial importance of Calhoun. It was also in 1821 that Calhoun was designated as the county seat of Sangamon County, cementing its administrative role in the region.
The importance of education was not lost on these early settlers. During the winter of 1821-22, the first school was established in a simple log building, providing rudimentary education to the community’s children. True to the nature of pioneer settlements, taverns soon emerged as social hubs. Elijah Slater opened the first tavern in 1822, offering travelers food, drink, and lodging. Two more taverns followed shortly after, catering to the needs of the growing population. By 1830, the community saw the establishment of its first churches, with the Methodists erecting the first church building, followed by the Presbyterians who opened a brick church just a month later, demonstrating the growing importance of religious life in the town.
The year 1832 marked a turning point for the town of Calhoun. Senator John C. Calhoun, once a figure of prominence, experienced a decline in public favor. Consequently, the town’s name was changed to Springfield, reflecting a shift in sentiment and a desire for a fresh start. The town was officially incorporated on April 2, 1832, solidifying its status as a recognized municipality. By 1835, Springfield had grown sufficiently that the Board of Trustees recognized the need for law enforcement, leading to the appointment of a constable.
However, the most significant event in Springfield‘s history occurred in 1837 when the state capital was moved from Vandalia to Springfield. This pivotal decision was largely influenced by the political acumen of a young, ambitious politician named Abraham Lincoln. On April 15, 1837, Lincoln relocated to Springfield from nearby New Salem and began practicing law with John T. Stuart, a respected attorney in the city.
Prior to his arrival in Springfield, Lincoln had explored various professions, including clerking at Denton Offutt’s store in New Salem, serving as a postmaster, working as a surveyor, and studying law. He had also made an unsuccessful bid for the state legislature. In 1834, he successfully won a seat in the legislature on his second attempt. It was during his time in the legislature that he played a crucial role in securing the placement of the State Capital in Springfield.
During his years in Springfield, Lincoln had three different law partners, the last of whom became his biographer. He spent considerable time traveling the Eighth Judicial Circuit, practicing law in county courthouses throughout central Illinois. His legal practice provided him with the status and visibility that were instrumental in his political success.
In 1840, Lincoln met Mary Todd, a captivating woman from Kentucky. After a somewhat turbulent courtship, they were married by Reverend Charles Dresser in 1842. Their first son, Robert Todd Lincoln, was born on August 1, 1843. The following spring, Lincoln purchased Reverend Dresser’s home at the corner of Eighth and Jackson streets for $1,200 in cash and a small lot valued at $300. The Lincolns resided in this brown frame house for the next 17 years. Today, this home still stands at 413 S. 8th Street and is a part of a National Historic Site that encompasses several other structures within a four-block area. These homes have been meticulously restored to reflect their appearance during the period when Lincoln lived in the neighborhood.
While building a successful law practice, Lincoln remained actively involved in politics. On November 6, 1860, he was elected President of the United States, marking the culmination of his political career.
On February 11, 1861, Lincoln stood on the train station platform in Springfield and delivered a poignant farewell address. Addressing the large crowd that had gathered, he said, "My friends – No one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place and the kindness of these people, I owe everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a century and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried… To His care I am commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell."
He departed from Springfield that day, never to return during his lifetime.
Although the Civil War claimed many men from Springfield who fought for the Union, it also stimulated the city’s economy, leading to the establishment of new industries and businesses. As the state capital, Springfield continued to experience growth.
When Route 66 was established, passing through Springfield, the city capitalized on the opportunity by opening numerous businesses catering to the needs of travelers. Gas stations, cafes, and motels proliferated along the route.
However, when the Route 66 signs were removed in January 1977, many of these businesses suffered due to being bypassed by the new interstate highway system. Despite this, many of these iconic establishments still stand in the city, and Springfield is committed to preserving its rich history, including its connection to the Mother Road. Today, the city has a population of approximately 114,700 people.
Springfield offers a variety of museums and historic sites, including Abraham Lincoln’s former home, his burial site, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
In the downtown area, the historic district showcases preserved nineteenth-century architecture, allowing visitors to walk the same streets that Abraham Lincoln once walked. The Old State Capitol Building, where Lincoln delivered his famous "House Divided" speech, is a must-see attraction. The Old State Capitol Historic Site served as the center of Illinois government from 1839 to 1876 and is considered one of the most important 19th-century public buildings in the United States. After his assassination, President Lincoln’s body lay in state in the second-floor House of Representatives. The Old State Capitol Building is located at 2nd and Capitol Streets. The current capitol building and the governor’s mansion are also situated in this area.
As you continue your journey southward on Route 66 from Springfield, you will encounter two alignments that are still intact.
The pre-1930s two-lane alignment meanders through Chatham and Auburn, where you can see a section of the original brick alignment, before continuing to Thayer, Virden, Girard, Nilwood, Carlinville, Gillespie, Benld, Sawyerville, and Staunton. South of Staunton, the road merges with the later alignment.
The newer alignment (1930-1977) begins as a four-lane road in Springfield, closely following I-55, and takes you to Glenarm, Divernon, Farmersville, Litchfield, Mt. Olive, and Livingston.
If you travel along the older alignment (pre-1930), you will find the Route 66 Drive-in at 1700 Recreation Drive, which shows movies nightly.
As you travel down the Mother Road, you’ll cross over Lake Springfield, a man-made lake created in the 1930s. It covers parts of the original two-lane alignment of Route 66. When the water level is low, glimpses of the old road can still be seen. Consider planning your trip to Springfield during the last week of September when the city hosts the Route 66 Mother Road Festival. This annual event attracts thousands of people who come to relive the past, admire vintage automobiles, and celebrate the Rock and Roll era.
Alternatively, you can visit the city in late August when Springfield hosts the Illinois State Fair each year. Regardless of when you choose to visit this historic city, be sure to allow ample time to explore its many attractions.