Category Archives: Hotels & taverns

The Globe Tavern, 1886 (photo)

The newlywed Abraham and Mary Lincoln rented a room in The Globe Tavern, 315 E. Adams St., from November 1842 until the next fall. Their oldest son Robert was born there. The photo above, from 1886, shows only a portion … Continue reading

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Archer Herndon (1828 pioneers)

Archer G. Herndon Sr. (1795-1867) was one of the “Long Nine,” including Abraham Lincoln, who are credited with persuading the Illinois legislature to move the state capital from Vandalia to Springfield in 1837. Archer Herndon also was the father of William … Continue reading

Posted in Business, Early residents, Hotels & taverns, Illinois capital, Lincoln, Abraham, Local government, Maps, Politics, Prominent figures, State government | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

The horseshoe sandwich (with recipe)

This entry was significantly expanded in December 2023. Although accounts differ, most people credit Joseph Schweska with creating the horseshoe sandwich, the locally famous open-faced combination of toast, meat and French fries covered in cheese sauce. As the story goes, … Continue reading

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Indian Queen Hotel

A few Springfield and Sangamon County histories mention a once-famed hostelry, now generally forgotten — the Indian Queen Hotel. Owned and operated by Archer Herndon Sr., Sr., the Indian Queen was one of the city’s best accommodations in the early 1830s. … Continue reading

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Martin Van Buren meets Abraham Lincoln

Former president Martin Van Buren visited Springfield between June 16 and 19, 1842, and while there he visited the home of his first cousin, George Brunk, in Cotton Hill Township near Rochester. The house still stands today. Van Buren, a Democrat … Continue reading

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