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Popular Attraction
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Springfield Illinois |
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Springfield Illinois, which is the state's capital city, was founded in 1819, and became a county seat in 1823. It became the capital of Illinois in 1837. A good deal of Springfield tourism is centered on President Abraham Lincoln, who started his political career in Springfield Illinois. For example, the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site, located at sixth and Adams Street, is a brick building that was built in 1841. This was where Lincoln and his partner Stephen Logan, practiced law. The building has been restored by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Today, it is a popular site for Springfield tourism.
The Old State Capital Building is another popular Springfield attraction. It was here that Lincoln made his famous "House Divided" Speech. At the Abraham Lincoln presidential Library and Museum, you can find books, articles and papers that reference Lincoln's life, as well as the Civil War. For a somewhat morbid Springfield attraction, visit the Museum of Funeral Customs, which features exhibits related to the president's funeral.
 A considerable amount of Springfield tourism centers on the Dana-Thomas House. In 1902 in Victorian Springfield the socialite and activist, Susan Lawrence Dana, hired a rising young architect from Chicago to remodel her family home. Today, tourists can view one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s finest prairie-style homes. The original furniture, art glass doors, windows and light fixtures have been retained.
The Vachel Lindsey House is another popular Springfield attraction. This 1879 birthplace of the native Springfield poet/artist was his only home until his death there in 1931. The house, which was built in the late 1840s, was originally owned by C.M. Smith. Smith’s wife Ann was the sister of Mary Todd Lincoln. Both Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln were regular visitors.
Edward’s Place also draws a considerable amount of Springfield tourism. It is the oldest home in Springfield. When you visit this magnificent home, you can learn about the life of Benjamin and Helen Edwards. The well preserved Italianate mansion was once a center for social activity in Springfield. Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas and other prominent politicians were entertained. In the warmer weather, the grounds at Edward’s place at lavish dinner parties and the grounds played host to many summer picnics and political rallies. Perhaps the most exciting part of your visit to the Edward’s house is the chance to see the authentic "Lincoln Courting Couch,” where Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd were married.
Springfield travel allows you to take a trip back in time, while exploring important events in American history. When you get tired of learning about history, you can have some fun at the Knights Action and Caribbean Water Park, or take in a film at the authentic Route 66 Twin Drive In Movie Theater. |
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Buckingham Fountain |
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f you are a fan of the Fox television syndicated sitcom Married With Children, you probably know that the opening sequence of the show features a shot of the Buckingham Memoriam Fountain. The Buckingham Fountain, which is constructed from Georgia pink marble, is one of Chicago's most popular attractions. Located at Columbus Drive in Grant's Park, the Chicago Buckingham Fountain is the largest fountain in the world. An exciting feature of the Buckingham Fountain is the 133 jets that spray 14,000 gallons of water per minute, as high as 135 feet in the air. A computer at the Chicago Buckingham Fountain controls the entire display, which includes the dazzling colored light show that takes place nightly from 9pm to 11pm.In 1999, music was added to the Buckingham Fountain in order to add a bit more pizzazz to the multi-colored displays. In the summer, people enjoy eating their lunch by the Buckingham Memoriam Fountain. However, because of the extensive damage that was done to the stone and concrete stairs, skateboarders, inline skaters are banned from the area. During the winter, the Chicago Buckingham Fountain is set aglow with white Christmas lights. Buckingham Fountain History The Buckingham Fountain history may be of interest to anyone who has an affinity for architecture. Kate Buckingham dedicated the Chicago Buckingham Fountain to the people of Chicago in 1927 in memory of her late brother, Clarence. At the time, she made sure to establish a $300,000 trust fund to ensure that the taxpayers would never have to cover all of the repair and upkeep costs associated with the Buckingham Memoriam Fountain. The Chicago Buckingham Fountain was dedicated on August 26, 1927. It was the starting point for Route 66, the highway that ran to Los Angeles. Years later, it would also become the starting point for the Emmy-winning reality show, The Amazing Race. The Buckingham fountain history is also intricately tied in with the history of Chicago. It is the work of architect-planner Edward H. Bennett, who was a significant figure in the creation and execution of the 1909 Plan of Chicago. This plan was instrumental in encouraging the creation of lakefront amenities such as the Chicago Buckingham Fountain. Bennett's other plans include the magnificent Michigan Avenue Bridge. When you visit Grant Park, The Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo and the other exciting Chicago attractions, be sure to spend some time relaxing by the Buckingham Fountain. |
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