Old Aristocracy Hill in Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Economic and Ethnic Diversity in Springfield

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, June 16, 2011

1. Economic and Ethnic Diversity in Springfield Marker

Inscription. In Abraham Lincoln's time, many residents of Springfield came from someplace else, whether a state or an ocean away. Southerners, northerners, and European immigrants came here to improve their lot in life, much as Lincoln had in 1837. Springfield's African American residents included both freemen who owned their own homes and businesses, such as Lincoln's neighbor Jameson Jenkins, and indentured servants who lived with their white employers.

On Lincoln's own street, occupations ranged from an elected state official to washer women; income levels varied widely; and houses ranged in size from modest dwellings to spacious two-story houses, such as the Lincoln Home.

According to the 1860 Census, Springfield's residents included Irish, German, Portuguese, and African Americans.

By the time Lincoln left Springfield in 1861, Illinois typified a border state, with a slave-holding tradition, a desire to preserve the Union, and a mixed population of both northerners and southerners.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Sprinfield - Lincoln Home National Historic Site series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.

Location. 39° 47.8′ N, 89° 38.702′ W. Marker is in Springfield

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, Illinois, in Sangamon County. It is in Old Aristocracy Hill. It is on 8th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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: The Underground Railroad in Lincoln's Neighborhood (here, next to this marker); A Lot of Activism in the Neighborhood (a few steps from this marker); Sarah Cook House (a few steps from this marker); Politics in the Neighborhood (a few steps from this marker); Allen Miller House (a few steps from this marker); Henson Robinson House (within shouting distance of this marker); Jesse K. Dubois House (within shouting distance of this marker); Mary Lincoln's Circle of Friends (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 601 times since then and 18 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on October 17, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.