Page 62 - Curriculum Visions Dynamic Book

62
During the mid 1800s there was a rapid turnover of people as immigrants came in from
the east, and many moved on west. The famous Donner Party (who became snowbound in the Sierra Nevadas) began their journey from Springfield.
There were many powerful figures in the city. For example, John Williams started as a clerk in frontier stores and saved to begin his own business. He acted as a local banker and then organized a national bank in Springfield. He was also involved in the development of the railroad network. Springfield became a major hub in the Illinois railroad system. Then coal was discovered nearby and coal mining was a major industry for Springfield by 1900.
Since then older industries such as coal mining have faded away, and Springfield is now a center for government business and services. Tourism, based on people visiting Lincoln’s house and tomb, is also a major source of jobs.
Springfield continues to have great political weight. When Barack Obama launched his bid for the presidency, he did so from the steps of the old state house.
The first capitol to be built in Springfield was actually the fifth capitol building, the others having been built in former capitals. It was begun on July 4, 1837 and was completed in 1853 and designed in the Greek Revival style from stone quarried 6 miles from the site. For many years, it was the largest capitol of the western frontier of the United States. As Illinois grew rapidly (largely due to growth in Chicago), the fifth capitol became crowded, and
on February 24, 1867, the state voted to construct a new larger capitol. The present capitol is built in French Renaissance style. It was started in 1869, and took twenty years to complete.
5th State Capitol.