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Springfield Vacations, Historical Tours and Springfield Travel Packages

Springfield became the Illinois state capital in 1837 with the help of a young lawyer and politician named Abraham Lincoln. He lived in the city until he left to become the 16th President of the United States, in 1861. From that moment on, the city’s history and future have been inexorably tied to this most famous and beloved American citizen.

Springfield, the capital of Illinois and the seat of Sangamon County government, is located at the intersection of Interstates 55 and 72. Chicago lies 200 miles northeast of Springfield, St. Louis and Indianapolis lie 100 miles southwest and 195 miles due east, respectively.

Springfield, Population/Economy
Balanced between the public and private sectors, Springfield has a well-diversified economic base an approximate population of 113,000 people. Springfield serves as headquarters for 12 nationally known insurance companies and more than 165 state, regional, and national associations. The community is recognized as a leader in the health care industry and is home to two major hospitals as well as a world renowned heart surgery institute. Springfield’s consumer market area lies within a ten county region, encompassing 5,839 square miles, and supports products for export throughout the world, ranging from cake mixes, livestock and poultry feeds to space age electronics.

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, as the state capital, has a well-developed economic base. It is the headquarters for several nationally known insurance companies, as well as 125 other state, regional and national associations. The community is recognized as a leader in the fields of health care, services and education. Principal products include metal fabricators, livestock and poultry feeds, space age electronics, flour and cereal products, soybean and corn production.

Among the over 30 Springfields in the United States, this city is certainly unique. Only Springfield, Illinois was the home of one of the most beloved historic figures in the world. As Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown, we host visitors from all over the United States and the world who come to experience the Lincoln tradition.

Abraham Lincoln's Farewell Address

 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. I now leave, not knowing when or whether ever I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington.

Without the assistance of that Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed.  With that assistance, I cannot fail.

Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well.

To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.

- Abraham Lincoln
Complete speech. Springfield, Illinois - February 11, 1861

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