Category Archives: Military

Sangamon Ordnance Plant

Posted on July 7, 2015 by editor

Dozens of seemingly out-of-place structures dot farm fields west of Illiopolis, the last reminders of what once was one of the U.S.’s largest producers of World War II artillery ammunition. From 1942 to 1945, the Sangamon Ordnance Plant produced 24 … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Agriculture, Buildings, Communities, Disasters, Industry, Military, Transportation, Women | 46 Comments

Lewis Martin, 29th U.S. Colored Troops

Posted on May 11, 2015 by editor

This entry has been updated — ed. Lewis Martin (1840-92) was a free Black man who served in the 29th regiment U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War. He was severely wounded in the Battle of the Crater before Petersburg, … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Military | 4 Comments

Hall-Hagler chapter, Disabled American Veterans

Posted on April 12, 2015 by editor

Springfield’s Hall-Hagler chapter of the Disabled American Veterans is named in honor of two World War I casualties who hailed from the city. Sgt. Joe Hall (1891-1918) died during the waning hours of the war – at 8:45 a.m. on … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and letters, Military, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Victory Loan Flying Circus, 1919

Posted on March 12, 2015 by editor

The Victory Loan Flying Circus, a barnstorming group of World War I pilots using WWI combat aircraft, put on a show for thousands of central Illinoisans in front of the Illinois State Fairgrounds Grandstand on April 15, 1919. An unbilled … Continue reading →

Posted in Air travel, Journalism, Media, Military, Prominent figures, Spectacles, Women | Leave a comment

Sangamon County Lithuanians in World War I

Posted on December 20, 2014 by editor

More than 50,000 Lithuanian-Americans fought for the United States in World War I. This remarkable number was later leveraged to lobby U.S. President Woodrow Wilson to recognize the newly independent Lithuanian state that emerged from the War’s aftermath. The vast … Continue reading →

Posted in Coal mines and mining, Ethnic groups, Lithuanians, Military | 3 Comments

Lincoln Tomb statuary (original)

Posted on November 18, 2014 by editor

This entry is a lightly edited version of a presentation given by Mark Johnson, historian for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, to the 2014 volunteer dinner hosted by the now-defunct Lincoln Monument Association, a non-profit support group for the Lincoln … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Arts and letters, Historic Sites, Lincoln Tomb, Lincoln, Abraham, Military, National Register | 3 Comments

Ted Curtis (African-American history interviews)

Posted on September 21, 2014 by editor

Ted Curtis, a Springfield native and U.S. Air Force veteran, became a real estate agent and later assistant real estate commissioner for the state of Illinois.  He served on the Springfield School Board for 10 years and was active in … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Business, Ethnic groups, Military, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Adelaide O’Brien Rentschler (aviator)

Posted on September 7, 2014 by editor

Adelaide O’Brien (1915-99) of Springfield was the first licensed woman pilot in downstate Illinois. During World War II, O’Brien was a local ground instructor for U.S. Army Air Corps flight cadets. O’Brien also was widely known in central Illinois for … Continue reading →

Posted in Air travel, Airport, Arts and letters, Military, Women | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Clear Lake

Posted on June 28, 2014 by editor

When most Sangamon County residents hear the name “Clear Lake,” they think of the avenue or township. However, the body of water that gave these places their names has a rich history all its own. Clear Lake itself is about … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Communities, Local government, Military, Parks, Sangamon River, Sports and recreation | Tagged , | 3 Comments

John J.H. Kelly (Medal of Honor)

Posted on June 23, 2014 by editor

John J.H. Kelly (1851-1907) received the Medal of Honor for his actions during a five-day fight with Indian warriors on the Upper Washita River, Texas, in September 1874. Kelly was among about 50 soldiers — a combined infantry and cavalry … Continue reading →

Posted in Military | 2 Comments