Acts of Intolerance…read more Two charred chimneys rising from the smoldering rubble of burned-out buildings. These stark images from an old photograph were the inspiration for this unique sculpture. The sculpture commemorates the centennial of the brutal Springfield Race Riot of 1908. During the blistering heat over two days in August, an angry white mob attacked innocent black residents of Springfield. They looted and burned their homes and businesses after they heard that two black men, one accused of raping a white woman and the other of killing a white man, had been secretly transported out of town by the sheriff for their protection. In protest, white rioters lynched two innocent black men, murdered at least five more victims, and many, many more were injured. Homes and businesses destroyed. State militia and troopers were called to stop the violence. After the riot, Mabel Hallam admitted to lying about the rape to cover up an affair with a white lover. The second accused man, Joe James, was convicted by a jury for murder and executed. The news about the vicious race riot in Abraham Lincoln's hometown shocked the country. The riot, trials and aftermath demonstrated and highlighted the complex intersection of race, class, and criminal justice in the United States. This event became a catalyst for the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) which was established in New York City on February 12, 1909, the centennial of Lincoln's birthday. The numerous relief images on the surface of the chimney columns depict scenes that suggest themes of intolerance and themes of redemption. It is a stark reminder of how intolerance and prejudices can affect and impact all of us. Definitely worth a visit to reflect on the past, the present and the future.

Kind security guards. Their agents are the epitome of the upmost professional conduct, great…read morelisteners, and caring about keeping the community safe from evil doers. I highly recommend giving them information as well as your local police. It keeps the checks and balances system alive. The buildings outdoor architecture is fantastic and warrants a visit to see in person! Thank you for keeping our community safe!

life in danger, drug dealer wants me dead. local police do not have witness protection. know i…read morehave seen the people coming to the house across the street. sent two lower end workers to kill me, they were arrest last night. this is not over! they will try again. and the fbi hung up before i could state my hope, pass the buck let someone die not their problem. wow! they know i'm 62, an old guy! not worth saving! have now been age dissemerated by the fbi! worthless!

The state capital building is a fun place to visit. They have free tours daily that will take you…read moreto all 3 floors of this Renaissance Revival/ Second Empire style building. The 405 foot dome is regal to say the least. If you're there while the legislature is in session, you can watch from seats in the balcony. It's mostly all marble inside and has historic paintings and statues on every floor.

05/26/26 - Illinois State Capitol fitting review for a beautiful building (REVIEW 1,700). Today I…read morewent down to Springfield as part of a 10 bus 500 members group trying to start a union. By bringing these people just before the session convenes we're trying to get their attention & hopefully get something booked into legislation. As faith would have it we were in the William G Stratton building to talk to a few legislators prior to the meeting on 05/28/26 when they convene and vote. We were going to attempt to talk to a few when an alarm went off signifying a lockdown of the building. About 10 of us sheltered in place while security searched the building. Finally we were shuttled down the hall towards tunnel to the Capitol building. Unfortunately the alarm sounded around 11am and we had to shelter in place for about 1 hr while they searched the building. After the clearance was given we moved through an underground tunnel connecting the William G Stratton building to the Illinois State Capitol. By doing this we didn't need to leave the building & go through security again. When we came up out of the tunnel we were in the Illinois State Capitol Building. I've lived in Illinois almost my entire life. This was the first time I was ever in the Capitol Building. This is an impressive beautiful building w/a very ornate 3 story dome. When we came up to the third floor many of the 500 people that came up w/us from Chicago were milling around along w/other special interest groups trying to get the attention of the legislators before they entered the chambers. From what I understand they were voting on 05/28/2026 on a number of issues and these groups came hoping to win support for their groups The Capitol building is a very impressive structure w/a 3 story central dome that rises to 360 feet. Designed in the French Renaissance and Italianate styles, it was constructed between 1868 and 1888. I was very impressed by the attention to detail that was put into this magnificent structure. The attention to every detail in this central dome is amazing.

The monument itself is massive and majestic. There are many statues on top of it in every…read moredirection. The grounds surrounding it are decorated with lovely flowers and plants. There are benches nearby to sit too. Unfortunately somehow years ago thru word of mouth, someone said any visitor should rub Abe's nose on the bust of him outside for good luck. I'd like to get ahold of whoever started this as I feel it's extremely disrespectful. It's been rubbed to a point is a blaring gold color. People are so rude and parents get their kids so hyped up about doing it that once inside the tomb they're wired for sound in what's an echo chamber. Real solemn, huh? Inside there are several beautiful statues of Abe before entering the actual area where he and most of his family are interred. At times there's many visitors and not enough room to spend much time inside as people keeps arriving. Other times you can be in there at your leisure with little to no one else. The most I hope for is for people to be respectful and keep the voices low as again, everything echos in there, but unfortunately many are as chatty as they are in church before a service begins, paying no mind to anyone else around them. Still, I wouldn't miss visiting this grand tomb for Abe and family.

Mary Todd, the widow of Abraham Lincoln chose a quiet place for her husband to rest…read more On the outskirts of town, Oakridge Cemetery has revolutionary war laid to rest here. A simple family burial and tomb. It was unheard of. After having his body taken. Yes the original tomb under the larger one it needed a better resting area. In fact the care taker for years relocated the presidents body to preserve it for the family. The caretakers mansion is next store to the tomb still today. What an undertaking. The large obelisk above his tomb and depicting statues are dedicated to his legacy. Keeping the union to together; eventually abolishing slavery. A man's heart and soul are here along side most of the Lincoln family. No one will ever be able to take his body again it's buried in lead coffin and covered in concrete. This burial now celebrates Lincoln's life and his final resting place. Now you can come and celebrate his life and death. All his contributions to history in his hometown. Make sure and rub Lincoln's nose for good luck.

We had a great time here at the old Capitol. We enjoyed the self guided tour and listening to the…read moreLincoln Troubadours sing in the rotunda area and in the old house chamber. This statehouse was not used very long, but Lincoln was in here when he was alive. It was also the last place he lay in state before they closed the coffin and buried him and his son Willie in the Springfield cemetery. We enjoyed the Underground Railroad display and stories in the old Supreme Court Chambers. This place is kind of big and you can schedule at least an hour to see everything. As of June 2025 it's open Thursday through Saturday.

The Old State Capitol is a reconstruction of Illinois' statehouse from 1840 to 1876. During the…read more20th century's civil rights movement, its restorers faithfully recreated the building in which John Jones & Frances Gage worked to expand the meaning of freedom. Lincoln served his final term as a state lawmaker in 1840-41. As a lawyer, he pleaded cases before the state supreme court in this building (1841-1860). In the Illinois House chamber, Lincoln made his House Divided speech in June 1858, announcing his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. It was to the same chamber, in May 1865, that his body was returned to lie in state, arriving from Washington, D.C., prior to final burial in Springfield's Oak Ridge Cemetery.

It has a cool exterior. The inside is a law office so you can't really go inside. However there is…read morea small plaque with the speech on it. It's an easy short 5 minute stop but not worth much more time.

We didn't see anything here, there was no marker nothing happening. A noisy train came through…read morefrequently. There was no plaque or acknowledgment of Lincoln here.

Great space to spend some time and do some quiet work. It's a super classic looking building with…read moreeasy parking and no library card required for entry. We love a good library! Show some love if you're ever stopping through!

I enjoy a trip to the library when I visit charming college towns. Boy does Jacksonville have a…read morenice one. It's a Carnegie library with all the old charm and an addition. Three floors. An elevator. Fireplaces. A portrait of Andrew Carnegie. Good views of the town. Yes, this library is worth a visit if you just like to poke around a building for a little while. The employee in the children's section on Saturday morning was practically our town concierge. Despite being from Chicago, she knew quite a lot about what is where in Jacksonville, and she gave us some advice on what to do the next day. One more thing: This isn't one of those old libraries with a neglected collection. Some of the titles in the children's section were just released in the past month or so. Library-wise, I could live in this town.

Have you seen it? have you heard it? It's pretty amazing…read more... super tall, 32+? bells that one person plays! Hello? Awesome! Wednesdays in the summer take wander around the area and take a listen! I think it's pretty awesome. Now, if we could get rid of the bugs... Anyway - it's great! Go, enjoy!

Do the tour! The tour of the Carillon's is about 30 minutes and you learn about how they're played…read moreand how they came to be and how they're made. Then if you can stay or come back for the concert when they play, it's worth it. The concert is about another 30 minutes and sounds just wonderful. There are places to sit and relax and geese to feed too. The tour costs a nominal amount but listening to the Carillons is free.