Springfield has a rich history, much of it tied to its most famous and influential citizen, Abraham Lincoln, our country's 16th president. Historic sites around the community include The Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the Lincoln Tomb. Others include the Lincoln Herndon Law Offices, Lincoln Depot and Lincoln's New Salem, the 1830s pioneer village where Lincoln lived for six years. The Old State Capitol, which regularly echoed with Lincoln's footsteps, is located in the center of the city, where it sits atop the Illinois State Historical Library. Springfield is also home to a number of museums, including the Illinois State Museum, the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum and the Illinois State Military Museum at Camp Lincoln.
Cultural opportunities abound.
The 2,017-seat Sangamon Auditorium at the University of Illinois at Springfield offers a full range of music, theater and dance performances. It is also home to the award-winning Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and the Springfield Ballet Company. The Springfield Municipal Band and the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon both offer evening entertainment during the summers. The Springfield Art Association, housed in the restored, historic Edwards Place, offers an active schedule of monthly shows and art classes. The Springfield Area Arts Council promotes numerous community events in the visual, literary and performing arts.