Streetscape 1859
Looking for Lincoln
West side of the public square
This is the how west side of the public square looked from this vantage point (circa 1859), looking north along Fifth Street. In September 1859 "daguerrean" (photographer) Preston Butler advertised his four photographic views of the square "handsomely got up in sets" and "offered for sale at low prices."
View west 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 west side of the public square. A fire destroyed over half of the buildings pictured along this section of Fifth Street in 1855. The 1859 photograph shows how the block was rebuilt.
Erected by State of Illinois Historic Preservation Agency & Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Looking for Lincoln series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1859.
Location. 39° 48.038′ N, 89° 38.95′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. Marker is at the intersection of W. Adams Street and 5th Street on W. Adams Street. Touch for map
this page online
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); Curran's Jewelry Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln's Dentist (within shouting distance of this marker); Mary Lincoln's Ring (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln's Hat (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). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 525 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 25, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on December 9, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 3. submitted on October 25, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
