Springfield, Illinois
I was born and raised in Springfield, Illinois and travel home frequently for family and friends. Springfield is divese in History, Historical Landmarks, Food, People, Art and Events. Known for home of the 16th United States President Abraham Lincoln, and the amazingly delicios Horseshoe!
Springfield is centrally located in Illinois and is the Capitol city of Illinois. Pictured above is the Illinois State Capitol building constructed in 1868 and completed in 1888. Visitors can tour the facility, but some areas may be restricted as it is an active political building.
Old State Capitol Building
Erected in 1840 and served as the Illinois Statehouse from 1840-1876
The old state capitol is probably the most notable landmark in downtown Springfield. This statehouse was the fifth capitol building utilized by Illinois lawmakers and is the announcement site for presidential candidacy of Abraham Lincoln (1858) and Barack Obama (2007). This building can be toured and has several exhibits pertaining to Abraham Lincoln's career as a lawyer. One block north is the office of Lincoln's law firm (Lincoln Herndon Law Firm).
Lincoln Herndon Law Firm
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum
Two blocks north sits the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, which houses interactive historical displays of Lincoln's life and presidency. Various irreplicable artifacts are on display from Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln. A must see if visiting Springfield.
The Horeshoe!
Springfield offers up one of the most filling sandwiches in the Midwest. This unique open-faced sandwich is definitely a must!! Just know, it will blow your diet…but, it is so worth it! This signature dish can be found at most local restaurants who serve pub & American-style food.
Horeshoe at Obed & Issacs
Obed & Issacs is located downtown a few short blocks from the old State Capitol and is an excelent lunch stop. If leaving the downtown area headed north to Lincoln's Home Historic Site or the other way around works too.
Obed and Isaac's Restaurant and Brewery | Central Illinois (connshg.com)
History Behind the Recipe
The Signature Horseshoe Sandwich was created in 1928 at the Old Leland Hotel by Joe Schweska.
The idea came about with the help of Elizabeth, Chef Schweska's wife, after he came home saying he was in need of a new lunch item for the Leland Hotel Restaurant.
The name "horseshoe" was derived from the shape of the cut of ham used in the original sandwich.
The French fries represent the nails of the shoe, and the sizzle platter represents the hot anvil.
It wasn't until the 1939 Christmas Edition of the State Journal Register that Chef Schweska finally revealed the secret recipe.
for more information about the horseshoe or all the places to find them visit Springfield Illinois Visitor Website
US Route 66
Scattered throughout Illinois are remnants of Historic US 66 as it stretches from Chicago Illinois to St. Louis Missouri.
Beautiful Country Scenery
Gorgeous scenery through the state any time of the year
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, about 2 miles South of Petersburg and about 20 miles Northwest of Springfield, is a reconstruction of the village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood. GPS Coordinates - N39.58.550' W89.50.511
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site - Tour (lincolnsnewsalem.com)
Whether you are in Illinois for friends, family, food, or just passing through, Springfields Historical Sites are a must see. And the horseshoe is a must have eat. Enjoy.