This pioneer settlement started in 1820 when John Kelly built the first cabin at the northwest corner of Second and Jefferson Streets. Others came from North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky to take advantage of the area’s fertile soil and trading opportunities.

Originally named Calhoun after Senator John C. Calhoun of South Carolina, the town received its permanent name in 1832 after the senator fell from public favor.

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