Welcome to Springfield!
A Brief Sketch of Springfield, Illinois - A Must-See Stop on Route 66!
This pioneer settlement started in 1820 when John Kelly built the first cabin at the northwest corner of Second and Jefferson Streets. Others came from North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky to take advantage of the area’s fertile soil and trading opportunities.
Originally named Calhoun after Senator John C. Calhoun of South Carolina, the town received its permanent name in 1832 after the senator fell from public favour.
A young lawyer named Abraham Lincoln came to make the frontier town his home in 1837. In the same year, the state capital was moved from Vandalia to Springfield through the legislative efforts of Lincoln and eight friends known as the "Long Nine" (so called because their aggregate height was 54 feet).
The Civil War brought mixed blessings to Springfield. The war took men to fight, but returned many economic benefits in the form of new industries and businesses. The growing railroads made Springfield an important link in the state railway system. By 1900, coal mining was a major occupation along with politics and farming.
Today, Springfield (the state capital) has a well-developed economic base. The community is recognised as a leader in the fields of health care, services and education. But Springfield, Illinois is principally known as a not to be missed destination along Route 66!