Abraham Lincoln began his political career where the old National Road ends, in Vandalia, in Illinois. He was elected to the state legislature in 1834, which was before the state capital moved north to Springfield. Actually, Lincoln was instrumental in getting the capital moved, which made him unpopular among Vandalians.
This is the Senate chamber in the old Vandalia statehouse. I arrived there one recent Saturday afternoon with just an hour to spare before daily tours ended. It capped a return visit to the National Road in Illinois, which I’ll be writing about in several blog posts to come. I shot this with my main road-trip camera, the Canon PowerShot S95.
I love the National Road. See everything I’ve written about it here.
I’ve really enjoyed past visits to Vandalia. Among other things, it’s an outstanding example of pragmatic forgiveness. Although Lincoln was once “unpopular among Vandalians” for his role in moving the capital, they’ve gotten over it. :-)
This was only my second visit, but I enjoyed it very much both times. It’s an oasis after a long stretch of not much to see or do on the Illinois National Road west of Effingham.
There are a couple of nice museums, including one one on the National Road, though I think the hours are sort of limited. Plus, on the far side of town, a genuine fire breathing dragon.
Someone on my Flickr stream mentioned the dragon the other day. I looked it up. So wacky cool.
I remember seeing this place when I was a kid, however I haven’t been back since. Growing up in central Illinois I heard so much about Lincoln that I almost thought he was still alive. I can remember some older people talking about how when they were younger they had known people who remembered Lincoln. Now I wish I had payed more attention to their stories. Anyway next time I am down that way maybe I will take another look at the Old Capital.
Lincoln today seems almost a mythical figure. How wonderful that you spoke to people who felt a connection to the man.
Wonderful image Jim !!
Thanks Bernie!
Vandalia is my hometown…and where i live now…I’m glad you enjoyed your visit and got some fuel for future posts!
Cool! Yes, several posts to come will be from the road.