Downtown in Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Site of the Leland Hotel
Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 24, 2025
1. Site of the Leland Hotel Marker
created in 1928 at the Leland Hotel by Chef Joe Schweska.
The name "horseshoe" was derived from the shape of the cut of ham used in the original sandwich. The French fries represent the nails of the shoe, and the sizzle platter represents the hot anvil.
This culinary delight can be found at almost any Springfield eatery with a variety of creative options to choose from.
Erected 2024.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.
Location. 39° 47.906′ N, 89° 38.887′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. It is in Downtown. It is at the intersection of East Capitol Avenue and 6th Street, on the right when traveling west on East Capitol Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 527 E Capitol Ave, Springfield IL 62701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Virgil Hickox Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Julius Rosenwald (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Republican Wigwams (about 300 feet away); Leaping Lincoln (about 500 feet away); Congressman James M. Graham House
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Leland Hotel on Wikipedia. The hotel was at one time a social gathering place in downtown Springfield, hosting several notable guests. It was the headquarters for Adlai Stevenson's Presidential campaign in 1952, and that was where he delivered his concession speech. The hotel would host Illinois State Fair performers until 1970, when the building was showing signs of needs to repair. In the 1980s, the building was renovated and it is currently the home of the Illinois Commerce Commission. (Submitted on March 4, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
2. Horseshoe sandwich on Wikipedia. The wildly popular Central Illinois dish can be enjoyed in more than 70 restaurants in Springfield, as well as parts of Central and Southern Illinois. It still has the basic ingredients of toast, meat, French fries, cheese sauce; however, there are many variations of the sandwich. There is also the "ponyshoe", which is a half-serving of the horseshoe sandwich. (Submitted on March 4, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 24, 2025
2. Site of the Leland Hotel Marker
Marker is mounted at the corner of the building, which is now home to the Illinois Commerce Commission.
Additional keywords. food, regional foods
Photographed by Jason Voigt
3. Horseshoe sandwich
This one is from Route 66 Motorheadz Bar & Grill in Springfield, one of several places the dish is available.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 4, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 201 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 4, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
