History in my Backyard -Springfield, IL
Illinois’ capital city is full of reasons to visit. There are the Route 66 stops, plus all the government draws, but for me, the biggest pull in this Land of Lincoln is the history! While I have lived outside the city all of my adult life, I have learned I have not done, and seen it all! Hosted by Visit Springfield the last weekend in June, my husband Keith and I enjoyed a visit downtown and found new history along the way! We stayed at the amazing Inn at 835 while we played tourist!
History Come’s Alive
While I have stopped at many of Springfield’s historical sites, I have not participated much in the wonderful programs offered at the sites. During the summer months, History Comes Alive offers some fascinating experiences I hope to catch before they end on August 4th! On Tuesdays at Lincoln’s Tomb you can witness the Flag Lowering Ceremony, On Wednesdays, join the Ice Cream Social, at Edwards Place, on Thursdays, there is the Route 66 Experience we witnessed at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, on Fridays, History Cooks at Lincoln’s Home.
On my bucket list is “Date Night at the Dana” with appetizers and more at the Dana-Thomas House. Check in with the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (217-789-2360) for details. This is the 15th year of History Comes Alive, and I am just discovering some of the wonderful things they offer!
Porch Presentations at Lincoln’s Tomb
Oak Ridge Cemetery is the second most visited cemetery in the nation, second only to Arlington National Cemetery. With around one million visitors each year this is a happening place. Besides the tomb, there is the vault where Lincoln’s body was held, and more. Intrigue, history, and stories of those laid to rest here make Oak Ridge a place where each year actors portray some of the late residents.
Did you know at Lincoln’s Tomb Monument at Oak Ridge Cemetery that they hold Porch Talks? While the tomb is a serious, thought-provoking place, activities like this help lessen the atmosphere of sadness. Keith and I attended a Front Porch presentation by Kaitlyn Pottier. She shared “The Dear Rascals”, story of the wild Lincoln boys. She wanted to share a fun story about the Lincoln sons’ happy and adventurous youth.
History usually focuses on the sadness, and early deaths of Eddie, Willie and Tad, (Robert is the only son that survived to adulthood). This presentation discussed the permissive, but loving environment both Mary and Abraham Lincoln offered their sons. Although they had totally different childhood, Mary one of privilege, and Abraham Lincoln rural and poor, both Mary and Abraham shared the devastation of losing their mothers in their youth. Kaitlyn thought this the reason for the light discipline hand of the Lincoln’s.
Besides the “Dear Rascals”, Porch Talks also include, “Lincoln Across Borders”, “Restoration of the Lincoln Tomb”, “Where’s Robert”, and “Lincoln and Grant”. Check out the website http://historicspringfield.dnr.illinois.gov. for descriptions, times and more.
We toured the tomb and paid our respects to our 16th President. Of course, I had to rub Lincoln’s nose for good luck before moving on. Have you done this? If so, what did you wish for?
The Vachel Lindsay Home
There are several opportunities to visit historic homes in Springfield like a stop at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Governor’s Mansion, Dana Thomas House, the Elijah Iles House, and Edwards Place Historic Home. Out of the group, the least visited is the Vachel Lindsay Home.
Lindsay’s story has a tragic end, but he is a talent that made his mark not only in Springfield, but around the world. Born November 10, 1879, in Springfield, once deemed one of the 25 most popular performers in the US, Lindsay returned to Springfield dying there on December 5, 1931.
Born to a doctor and a talented artist, Lindsay was raised in a loving cultured family. He was a poet, author and most of all a performer that acted out, and “sang” his poems. Our guide Lauren Gleason shared the story of Vachel Lindsay, and his family. Considered the founder of “singing poetry” his legacy lives on. Don’t forget other historic stops like the Old State Capital, the Illinois State Military Museum, Lincoln Herndon Law Office (currently under construction) and the Illinois Veteran’s Memorials.
Lincoln’s Ghost Walk
Another first-time activity was Lincoln’s Ghost Walk: Legends & Lore. Springfield Walks & Tours offers several tours, The Lincoln Experience, and more. Keith and I joined four others and followed guide Eric Woods on Lincoln’s Ghost Walk journey. Eric, who is also an author, actor and speaker, shared stories about Lincoln’s disturbing dreams and more. We learned about Lincoln’s life in Springfield, before he departed for his presidency, at the Whitehouse, and when he returned one final time to Springfield on his funeral train.
Wear comfortable shoes the tour is a ten-block walk. Not too scary for older the kids, this walk is rated 3rd best historical activity in Springfield by the New York Times. Have you tried one of the walks?
Changing Exhibits at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
I have visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum numerous times. It is the place to bring out of town visitors, and I never fail to learn something new each time I visit. What is nice though is there is an ever-changing exhibit that makes coming back again to the ALPLM to see the new exhibits and special programs and again worthwhile. The new exhibit we viewed was Solidarity Now 1968 Poor People’s Campaign.
Like many, I am aware of the Martin Luther King, and some of the Civil Rights Movement, but this was the first I’d heard of the Poor People’s Campaign that focused on economic woes and the problems that arise from poverty. The Poor People’s Campaign was a march to Washington D.C. with people of different races and socioeconomic groups. The exhibit is a Smithsonian Institute Traveling exhibit. I learned for the first time about the story of Resurrection City a town built by the protesters.
Route History Museum & Souvenir Shop
Another new stop for me was the Route History Museum & Souvenir Shop. Located at 1737 Cook Street, the museum provides a virtual reality experience highlighting Black experiences on Route 66 during the Civil Rights and Jim Crow eras. Founded by Dr. Gina Lathan and Dr. Stacy Grundy, Dr. Lathan shared the importance of the Green Book, a publication created by Victor Hugo Green a black postman. The book identified safe places open to blacks to stop while traveling. “The Green Book was a lifesaving document,” Dr. Lathan said.
This was an eye-opening experience and the story of black history in Springfield in a way I have never experienced it.
Dining stops!
There are the wonderful traditional Springfield Restaurants I love, the Springfield Carriage Shop, The Old Lux, Obed & Issacs, Saputos, Maldners, Charlie Parkers, and more, but it is also fun to find new stops while touring.
I had the chance to dine at Three Twigs and Company where they are all about locally fresh sourced food. Our meal was delectable, and they have an AMAZING baker. I loved the Nutella pie!
Another stop that has been on my list was The Railyard on South 6th street for lunch. This space consists of an outside dining area and the inside Railyard Café. The only outdoor food court in Springfield, there is also a place for entertainment, and lots of fun food choices. The artwork, and container cafes make for a fun summer stop.
Check all the fun stops and things to do to learn about history in the Land of Lincoln. It is fun to play tourist in your own back yard! Did you find anything new to do? Let me know!
