Springfield is the capital of the U.S. state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County. The city's population of 116,250 as of the 2010 U.S. Census makes it the state's sixth most populous city. It is the largest city in central Illinois. As of 2013, the city's population was estimated to have increased to 117,006, with just over 211,700 residents living in the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Sangamon County and the adjacent Menard County. Present-day Springfield was settled by European Americans in the late 1810s, around the time Illinois became a state. The most famous historic resident was Abraham Lincoln, who lived in Springfield from 1837 until 1861, when he went to the White House as President. Major tourist attractions include multiple sites connected with Lincoln including his presidential library and museum, his home, and his tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The capital is centrally located within the state. The city lies in a valley and plain near the Sangamon River. Lake Springfield, a large artificial lake owned by the City Water, Light & Power company (CWLP), supplies the city with recreation and drinking water. Weather is fairly typical for middle latitude locations, with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and summer weather is like that of most midwestern cities; severe thunderstorms may occur. Tornadoes hit the Springfield area in 1957 and 2006. The city has a mayor–council form of government and governs the Capital Township. The government of the state of Illinois is based in Springfield. State government entities include the Illinois General Assembly, the Illinois Supreme Court and the Office of the Governor of Illinois. There are three public and three private high schools in Springfield. Public schools in Springfield are operated by District No. 186. Springfield's economy is marked by government jobs, and the medical field, which account for a large percentage of the city's workforce.
Write a Review About Springfield For A Chance to Win A $100 Amazon Gift Card
Popular Articles View all
Is It OK To Say "OK, Boomer?"
It sounds like a cheeky way to blow off the opinion of someone older than you—but does this phrase cross the line when it comes to snark?
Research Reveals 1 out of 3 Retirees Would Live Elsewhere
A surprisingly high percentage of retirees say they’d pick a different spot in which to spend their later years. In a survey of people in their 70’s, 31% say “no” when asked “if you had to do it all over again, based on what you know now, would you choose where you are currently residing again?”.
Looking to Stay Young at 80? Learn from Two Nude Models
Barry and Joanne have been married 57 years. They've spent the last 15 modeling.
Rock and Roll Never Gets Old
Rock and Roll never gets old—and you can tell because of the upcoming concert season. Some of the hottest tickets of the summer, purchased by concertgoers of all ages, are for performers that are age 60 plus!
1 in 4 Americans Say They'll Never Retire
Recent poll results show that 1 in 4 Americans plan on never retiring. Some view it optimistically as older adults finding purpose in work, others as a growing sign of desperation among older workers. Where does the truth lie?
"The Best is Yet to Come" Movie Awards
Which movie treats older adults with the most respect - breaking from stereotypes through multi-dimensional characters who make interesting and complicated choices about how to live their best lives?
Is Your Town or Employer Age Friendly?
Age Friendly Advisor focuses on where we live and work in our later years - and how we engage with our communities. Go to your town's page and post your review. What makes it age friendly - or not? Go to the 'Working' section and post an employer review. What makes your employer age friendly - or not?
Ageism Today
Even as ageism affects millions of people around the world, it remains a challenge to both identify and combat it. Take our survey to weigh in.
Crowd-sourcing Set To Accelerate Age Friendly Movement
“We need engagement from the bottom in addition to action from the top,” the World Health Organization’s Dr. John Beard tells Age Friendly Advisor.
Your photo has been submitted and will appear on the city page after Admin’s approval. Thanks!
Everyone around here cares about one another. They look out for kids playing