Springfield is the capital of the U.S. state of Illinois and the county seat and largest city of Sangamon County. As of the 2020 census, the city’s population was 116,250, making it the state’s sixth most-populous city. It is the largest city in central Illinois.
History
Springfield was established in 1819 by settlers from Kentucky, Virginia, and North Carolina. It was named after Springfield, Massachusetts, from where many of the settlers had emigrated. The Potawatomi originally inhabited the Sangamon River valley but were forced to cede their land after the Black Hawk War in 1832.
Springfield was incorporated as a town in 1832 and as a city in 1840. It became the state capital in 1837, two years after the completion of the first state capitol building. This placed Springfield in an important position which influenced its economic and industrial growth in the mid-19th century.
Population
According to the 2020 census, Springfield has a population of 116,250 people. This makes it the sixth largest city in Illinois, after Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, and Naperville. The racial makeup of Springfield is 70.8% White, 18.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 2.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 4.1% from other races, and 3.9% from two or more races. Hispanics and Latinos of any race make up 7.2% of the population.
Springfield reached its peak population in 1990, with a total of 105,227 people. The population declined in the late 1900s but has been growing again since 2010. The metro area population is estimated at 210,170 as of 2018.
Economy
Springfield has a diversified economy based around government, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, energy, and tourism. The city government and the medical field account for a large portion of the jobs in Springfield. Major employers include the State of Illinois, Memorial Health System, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Horace Mann Educators Corporation, and City Water, Light & Power.
Manufacturing is also an important industry, with major companies like Honeywell, Solo Cup Company, and Graham Packaging located in the area. Springfield is home to several energy companies involved in coal, natural gas, and renewable energy. The Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport also contributes many jobs and economic impact.
Tourism is a major part of the economy due to Springfield’s role as a gateway to historic sites related to Abraham Lincoln. Popular attractions include the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and the Old State Capitol State Historic Site.
Tourism
As the longtime home of Abraham Lincoln, Springfield draws many tourists interested in learning about his life and legacy. Here are some highlights:
- The Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves Lincoln’s Springfield residence of 17 years.
- The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum contains the world’s largest collection of artifacts related to Lincoln’s life.
- The Old State Capitol State Historic Site was where Lincoln served in the legislature and gave his famous “House Divided” speech.
- The Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln and his family.
In addition to Lincoln sites, Springfield has a variety of other attractions. The CWLP Lakes offer fishing, boating, and walking trails. The Illinois State Fair draws large crowds every August. The Springfield Art Association and Hoogland Center for the Arts provide culture and performances.
Landmarks
Some noteworthy landmarks in Springfield include:
- The Old State Capitol, Illinois’ fifth state capitol building where Lincoln served as a legislator.
- The Illinois State Capitol, a grand neoclassical building completed in 1868.
- The Dana-Thomas House, an architectural gem designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
- The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, housing the world’s largest Lincoln collection.
Various monuments honoring Abraham Lincoln can also be found throughout the city, like the Lincoln Statue in Lincoln Park.
Sports
Springfield has a minor league baseball team called the Springfield Cardinals which plays at Robin Roberts Stadium. They are part of the Midwest League and are affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals major league club.
Many high school and college sports teams also contribute to the local sports culture. The city hosted the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Championships from 2008-2010.
Conclusion
Springfield offers the perfect blend of small-town Midwestern charm and big city amenities. From its unique history shaped by Abraham Lincoln to its family-friendly leisure activities, Springfield provides an authentic Illinois experience. The many historic sites, sporting events, cultural institutions, and outdoor recreation make Springfield a great place to live, work, and visit.