Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Streetscape 1859
Looking for Lincoln
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 9, 2012
1. Streetscape 1859 Marker
This is how the south side of the public square looked from this vantage point (circa 1859), looking east along Adams Street. Businesses at the time included (starting at right); J.W. Bunn Groceries; T.S. Little clothier, with a dental office and the offices of the Independent newspaper above; E.B.Hawley dry goods, with the photography studio of Preston Butler (who took this picture) above; E.B. Pease hardware; William T. Smith tobacco shop; David Hickey confectioner; E.R. Wiley tailor; Thomas Brady's Saloon; Thomas Owen drugs and books; William W. Watson confectioner, J. Thayer dry goods; I.B Curran jeweler; R.F. Ruth harness and leather goods; C.M. & S. Smith dry goods; Hurst & Matheny dry goods.
View south from the Capitol cupola
This is one of four panoramic landscapes painted from a perspective atop the Old State Capitol sometime between late 1848 and early 1854, showing buildings along the south side of the public square. Beyond stretches the prairie. From here townspeople sometimes watched spectacular prairie fires, as on on evening in 1840 when a observer reported that "the prairie south of the city was lit up with fire. The scene was beautiful. The night sky was dark, and as we viewed the fire from the State house, we were filled with delightful emotions."
Erected by
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Looking for Lincoln series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.
Location. 39° 48.033′ N, 89° 38.947′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. Marker is at the intersection of East Adams Street and 5th Street on East Adams Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Springfield IL 62701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Streetscape 1859 (a few steps from this marker); Lincoln's Dentist (within shouting distance of this marker); Curran's Jewelry Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Soldiers of the War of 1812 (within shouting distance of this marker); Soldiers of the American Revolution (within shouting distance of this marker); 1859-1911 (within shouting distance of this marker); Departure Point of The Donner Party (within shouting distance of this marker); Mary Lincoln's Ring (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 9, 2012
2. Adams Streetscape 1859
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 9, 2012
3. Adams Street today
Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 449 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 2, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
