Author Archives: editor

Planes flown by Illinois National Guard, Springfield

Posted on October 13, 2013 by editor

Planes flown by the Illinois Air National Guard based in Springfield: Sept. 30, 1945: 170th Fighter Squadron recognized as Air National Guard unit flying P-51 Mustang 1953: Converts to F-86 Sabre Jet (Corrected; see comments) 1955: Converts to F-84F Thunderstreak … Continue reading →

Posted in Military, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Police officers killed in line of duty

Posted on October 13, 2013 by editor

Ten Springfield police officers, one deputy sheriff, six Illinois state troopers based in Springfield and a federal prohibition agent have been killed on duty in Sangamon County.  The list includes: Springfield Police Departrment Off. David Tapscott, died Dec. 26, 1979: … Continue reading →

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Potawatomi Trail of Death

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

The Potawatomi Trail of Death is the name given to the forced removal in 1838 of more than 800 Potawatomi Native Americans from north-central Indiana to eastern Kansas. A total of 41 people, mostly children, died during the 10-week, 660-mile … Continue reading →

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George Power Farmstead

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

The George Power Farmstead , east of Cantrall off County Road 9.5N, is Sangamon County’s best remaining example of a 19th-century farm layout — and perhaps the site where fledgling lawyer Abraham Lincoln argued his first case. Kentucky-born George “Squire” … Continue reading →

Posted in Early residents, Historic Sites, Illustrations, Lincoln, Abraham, Local government, Prominent figures | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

‘The Power of Music’, Jefferson House hotel, 1885 (painting)

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

This painting, a gift to Lincoln Library’s Sangamon Valley Collection from Dr. James Donelan, depicts a red-coated trumpeter whose music disturbs hotel patrons, makes women and police officers faint, and upsets children, dogs and goats. The Jefferson House (“Good accommodations, … Continue reading →

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John Carroll Power on the founding of Springfield

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

John Carroll Power (1819-94), custodian of the Lincoln Tomb from 1874 to 1894, also wrote several books, including two important early histories: History of Springfield, Illinois, its attractions as a home and advantages for business, manufacturing, etc. (1871); and History … Continue reading →

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Robert Pulliam: First settler?

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

Robert Pulliam (1776-1838) is usually credited with building the first cabin in Sangamon County and therefore being the county’s first European settler. Historical markers near the site of his first cabin (below) and in downtown Springfield identify him as the … Continue reading →

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Race riot deaths

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

The Springfield race riot of Aug. 14-15, 1908 was unique in that more whites died than blacks. “This was due no doubt to the armed blacks, defending themselves and their interests in the Levee,” reported Carole Merritt in Something So … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Disasters, Law enforcement, Race riot of 1908 | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Race riot of 1908

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

Update: On Aug. 16, 2024, President Joe Biden designated an area along Springfield’s 10th Street railroad tracks the Springfield Race Riot National Monument. The new monument takes in the remains of five homes destroyed during the riot. The structures were … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Disasters, Fever River, Historic Sites, Law enforcement, Markers, Race riot of 1908, Resources, Springfield | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Radio brings the 1929 World Series to Springfield (photo)

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

A group of men listens to the World Series by radio at A. Dirksen & Sons furniture store, 412 E. Washington St., on Oct. 29, 1929. The Philadelphia Athletics, under Connie Mack, won the game, 3-2, and the series, 4 … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Photos and photosets, Sports and recreation | Tagged | Leave a comment