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

Daily Life in 1860

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 16, 2011

1. Daily Life in 1860 Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

These green lawns and groomed streets were once far noisier, messier, and smellier than they are today. many residents of Springfield kept horses, cows, and chickens on their property. They also tended gardens, washed laundry, hauled water, and chopped wood.

Maintaining a household was a full-time job for at least one woman. Many families with an income like the Lincoln's would have had paid servants.

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.

Location. 39° 47.853′ N, 89° 38.735′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. Marker is on 8th Street just north of Jackson 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 Springfield Kitchen Garden (here, next to this marker); What Did Abraham Lincoln Eat? (here, next to this marker); Harriett Dean House (within shouting distance of this marker); The People Lincoln Knew

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The Long Road to Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); Henson Lyon House (within shouting distance of this marker); A Place to Call Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Boyhood Home of Julius Rosenwald (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

Think About These Daily Chores image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 16, 2011

2. Think About These Daily Chores

What chores do you do and how are they different from chores during the Lincolns' time?
hauling water
cleaning carpet
splitting wood
hand washing laundry
tending livestock

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 807 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 20, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.