Springfield, Illinois
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| Springfield, Illinois | |
|---|---|
 w_lemay · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source | |
| Name | Springfield |
| Settlement type | Capital city |
| Nickname | Home of President Abraham Lincoln |
| Motto | "Home of President Abraham Lincoln" |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Illinois |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Sangamon |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1821 |
| Government type | Mayor–council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Misty Buscher |
| Area total sq mi | 67.49 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 114,394 |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | −6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | −5 |
| Coordinates | 39, 47, 54, N... |
| Elevation ft | 597 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 62701–62712, 62715–62716, 62719, 62722–62723, 62726, 62736, 62739, 62756–62757, 62761–62763, 62765–62767, 62769, 62776–62777, 62781, 62786–62787, 62791, 62794, 62796 |
| Area code | 217, 447 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 17-72466 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 426512 |
| Website | www.springfield.il.us |
Springfield, Illinois. The capital of the U.S. state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County, it is a central hub of government, history, and culture. Best known as the longtime home of Abraham Lincoln, the city preserves numerous sites associated with his life and political career. As the seat of the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor of Illinois, it is a focal point for state politics and administration.
Geography
Situated in the central part of the state, the city lies on the Sangamon River within the fertile Till Plains of the Midwestern United States. The landscape is characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain, with major geographic features including Lake Springfield, a large artificial reservoir. The city's layout is centered around a downtown grid, with the Illinois State Capitol building serving as a prominent landmark, and it is intersected by major transportation routes like Interstate 55 and Interstate 72.
History
The area was first settled by trappers and traders around 1818, with the community officially founded in 1821 by John Kelly and named after Springfield, Massachusetts. It became the county seat of Sangamon County in 1825 and, after a vigorous campaign led by a delegation including Abraham Lincoln, succeeded Vandalia as the state capital in 1837. The city was a political center during Lincoln's service in the Illinois House of Representatives and his debates with Stephen A. Douglas, and it was from the Great Western Railroad depot here that he departed for his inauguration in 1861. Significant 20th-century events include the Springfield race riot of 1908, which helped spur the formation of the NAACP.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 114,394, making it the state's sixth-largest city. The racial makeup is diverse, with significant populations of White, African American, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The city anchors the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Sangamon and Menard counties. Major institutions influencing the population include the University of Illinois Springfield, HSHS St. John's Hospital, and Memorial Medical Center.
Economy
The economy is dominated by state government, with the Illinois State Capitol and numerous agencies like the Illinois Department of Revenue and Illinois Department of Transportation being major employers. Healthcare is another cornerstone, led by the Hospital Sisters Health System and Memorial Health System. Other significant sectors include insurance, with companies like Horace Mann Educators Corporation, and manufacturing, supported by facilities for Caterpillar Inc. and Bunn-O-Matic Corporation. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a major driver of cultural tourism.
Government
The city operates under a mayor–council system, with current leadership under Mayor Misty Buscher. Legislative power is vested in the Springfield City Council, which consists of ten aldermen representing wards. As the state capital, it hosts the executive branch led by the Governor of Illinois and the legislative chambers of the Illinois General Assembly. The city is also home to federal entities, including the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Education
Higher education is served by the University of Illinois Springfield, a public university, and Lincoln Land Community College. The city is part of Springfield Public Schools District 186, which operates public institutions like Springfield High School. Private schools include Sacred Heart-Griffin High School and Lutheran High School. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum serves as a premier research and educational institution focused on the American Civil War and the life of its namesake.
Culture
Cultural life is deeply intertwined with the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, showcased at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Old State Capitol State Historic Site, and his tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The city hosts the annual Illinois State Fair at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and is home to performing arts venues like the Hoogland Center for the Arts and the Springfield Municipal Opera. Notable cultural institutions include the Illinois State Museum, the Dana–Thomas House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Vachel Lindsay home, honoring the poet.