With a modest population of roughly 117,000, the city of Springfield may, to some, pale in comparison to other cities in Illinois like Chicago. Conversely, there can be no better place in Illinois. Springfield is the heart of Illinois geographically and, as the state's capital, governmentally. It has a history that dates back nearly 200 years and has been a focal point of many events since. If there has ever been an ideal "American" culture and city, it's to be found in Springfield.
A Beckoning Hunger
Regions in the United States are typically associated with their legendary cooking. New England has chowders, the Carolinas have barbeque, and Louisiana has Cajun cuisine. Springfield on the other hand is a hub for all the notoriously "American" foods.
The local Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop claims to be the first drive-thru in the U.S.A. and looks the part, modelled nostalgically like it was taken right out of the 1920's. It primarily serves delectable loose meat sandwiches, a unique take on the traditional hamburger.
Springfield is also the home of the horseshoe sandwich, a local favourite that is not well known outside of central Illinois, but certainly worth a try. Additionally, the region is famous for its special style of chili.
On the Town
Springfield has a strong sense of maintaining its history, of which there is much to maintain. It's most famous resident is Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States who saw the country through its civil war. Although not born in Springfield, Lincoln lived and worked as a lawyer there for seventeen years until his successful campaign for presidency in 1860.
Lincoln's presence can be felt all over Springfield, and his legacy is preserved in numerous locations across the city. The recently opened Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum tells the story of the President's life and also holds important historical artefacts, including the original hand written Gettysburg Address and a signed Emancipation Proclamation.
Springfield is additionally home of the Hoogland Center for the Arts, which houses the Springfield Theatre Centre, the Old Capitol Art Fair, the Springfield Municipal Opera and others.
Getting Around
The primary means of public transportation around Springfield is the Springfield Mass Transit District (SMTD), which provides routes to all major points of interest around the city. The cost is one dollar to take a ride on any route, and immediate transfers between routes are free. Additionally, SMTD passes can be purchased, providing 20 rides at the price of 15 dollars. Busses run from 6 am until 6 pm
Fast Facts
Population: 117,090
Nickname: The Home of President Abraham Lincoln
- While tornados can be common in central Illinois, only 2 tornado incidents have actually hit Springfield in the past 50 years, once in 1957 and once in 2006. Only two total deaths were recorded from the two incidents, both from the 1957 tornado.
- A race riot overtook the town in 1908 when a mob of angry white citizens raided black-owned homes and businesses. Seven people died as a result of the riot, and it led to the eventual formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
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