Isn’t this a magnificent structure! This building is the Illinois State Capitol Building. The capital of Illinois is Springfield; no, not Chicago as some might think. The first time I traveled to Springfield, Illinois I mistakenly asked if this building was the, “Legislative Building”; oh my goodness! We’re not in Manitoba anymore! I transposed my Manitoba thoughts of the, “Manitoba Legislative Building” (where the Province of Manitoba’s lawmakers convene) to Illinois!
Springfield is the hometown of President Abraham Lincoln. I love this little city, steeped in history and fascinating tales.
The Illinois State Capitol Building was not the original, though. A 5-minute walk finds us standing in front of the “Old State Capitol Building”, as it is affectionately called. Here, have a look:
As a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, President Lincoln walked the halls of this ‘stately’ building. Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at the Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. on April 14, 1865. On April 21, 1865 a funeral train took his body from Washington, DC to Springfield, stopping at many locations along the way in order to allow people to pay their final respects to a much-loved president. On May 3, 1865, the train arrived in Springfield, and a final farewell was held in the Old State Capitol Building.
To honor the 150th anniversary of this exceptionally historical event, Springfield will host a very solemn re-enactment of the funeral procession from the Old State Capitol Building to President Lincoln’s final resting place:
The re-enactment will take place on Saturday, May 3rd, 2015 but there are a number of other events planned from Friday, May 1st through Sunday, May 4th. Here is a link for more information:
http://lincolnfuneraltrain.org/
It was fitting that it was an overcast and melancholy day when we visited Lincoln’s Tomb. Luckily I had numerous tissues in my purse. I have no explanation as to why I am so fascinated by Abraham Lincoln; but I am. I say this because in Canada we do not study much (if anything) about this phenomenal historical figure. Nonetheless, his legacy and contributions to the United States strike a deep chord within me. If you have the chance to visit Springfield, Illinois, please take the opportunity to explore the compelling history of this incredible soul!
The Chicago Files 