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Springfield, Illinois

Welcome to Springfield, the proud capital of Illinois and a city rich with American history! We cherish our deep connection to Abraham Lincoln, whose only owned home and final resting place are preserved here for all to experience. Discover the unique culinary delight of the Horseshoe Sandwich and feel the echoes of Route 66 along our historic streets.
Founded 1823 | Population 117,006 | Peak 117,006 (2024) | County Sangamon County

Top Events in Springfield, Illinois

1
1837 Capital Moved to Springfield: Illinois legislature voted Springfield as the new state capital.
2
1844 Lincoln Buys Home: Abraham Lincoln purchased his only owned residence in the city.
3
1865 Lincoln Interred Here: Abraham Lincoln's remains found their final resting place at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
4
1908 Springfield Race Riot: Tragic racial violence occurred, spurring the founding of the NAACP.
5
1926 Route 66 Established: Iconic highway brought tourism and economic growth to the city.
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Latest News in Springfield

Feb 20, 2026
They’ve Won $288 Million From The Lottery But The State Won’t Pay Them
Winning the lottery has been the dream for many, and in Illinois, lottery winners are hitting the jackpot.
May 2, 2016
Heres what These New Purple Parking Spots Mean
In the bustling streets of American cities back in May 2016, a splash of purple began popping up in parking lots, catching the eye…
Apr 10, 2015
Politician Dies After Husband Sets Explosive During Sex Car
In a bizarre and tragic turn of events last week, a prominent politician met a sudden and violent end when her husband allegedly r…

Historical Timeline of Springfield

1823 Government
City Platted
1837 Government
Becomes State Capital
1840 Government
City Incorporated
1865 Culture
Lincoln's Funeral
1908 Government
Race Riot & NAACP Origin
1926 Transport
Route 66 Passes Through
1974 Culture
Old State Capitol Restoration
2005 Culture
Lincoln Museum Opens

Did You Know? — Springfield

1
Springfield is home to the only house Abraham Lincoln ever owned, preserved as a National Historic Site.
2
The 1908 Springfield Race Riot was a pivotal event that led directly to the formation of the NAACP.
3
The 'Horseshoe Sandwich,' an open-faced sandwich with meat, fries, and cheese sauce, was invented here in 1928.
4
Springfield is a major stop on the historic Route 66, with many classic diners and landmarks still visible.
5
The city boasts two significant Lincoln Presidential sites: the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and Lincoln's Tomb.
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Famous People from Springfield, Illinois

DS
Daniel Schmidt
Association Football Player · Born Feb 3, 1992 · Age 34
AI
Andre Iguodala
Basketball Player · Born Jan 28, 1984 · Age 42
RL
Robert Todd Lincoln
Lawyer, Politician · Born Aug 1, 1843 · Died Jul 26, 1926 (age 82)
SN
Seth Barnes Nicholson
Astronomer · Born Nov 12, 1891 · Died Jul 2, 1963 (age 71)
VL
Vachel Lindsay
Writer, Poet · Born Nov 10, 1879 · Died Dec 5, 1931 (age 52)

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