Springfield became the Illinois state capital in 1837 with the help of a young lawyer and politician named Abraham Lincoln. He lived in the city until he left to become the 16th President of the United States, in 1861. From that moment on, the city’s history and future have been inexorably tied to this most famous and beloved American citizen.<br> Balanced between the public and private sectors, Springfield has a well-diversified economic base an approximate population of 113,000 people. Springfield serves as headquarters for 12 nationally known insurance companies and more than 165 state, regional, and national associations. The community is recognized as a leader in the health care industry and is home to three major hospitals as well as a world renowned heart surgery institute. Springfield’s consumer market area lies within a ten county region, encompassing 5,839 square miles, and supports products for export throughout the world, ranging from cake mixes, livestock and poultry feeds to space age electronics.<br> Springfield, the capital of Illinois and the seat of Sangamon County government, is located at the intersection of Interstates 55 and 72. Chicago lies 200 miles northeast of Springfield, St. Louis and Indianapolis lie 100 miles southwest and 195 miles due east, respectively. <br> The University of Illinois at Springfield, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield College in Illinois and St. John's College, Department of Nursing offer students a diverse selection of higher education opportunities. <br> Over one million visitors a year come to see Springfield’s historic Lincoln sites, which include the Lincoln Home and Neighborhood, Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, Lincoln Tomb, Lincoln’s New Salem, and more. Other attractions include the Dana-Thomas House, the Old State Capitol, the Illinois State Capitol and the Executive Mansion. Plans are now underway for a Lincoln Presidential Library and Interactive Museum. <br> Springfield offers hundreds of exciting events throughout the year, including: the Old Capitol Art Fair in May, the International Carillon Festival in June, the Illinois State Fair in August and First Night Springfield on New Year’s Eve, just to name a few.<br> From charming, one-of-kind boutiques to nationally recognized, big city department stores, Springfield offers something for everyone. The city’s westside offers White Oaks Mall, (the largest central Illinois indoor shopping facility), national discount shopping centers, home improvement stores, state-of-the-art computer and home entertainment stores, fashion boutiques and more. The historical downtown area is brimming with specialty shops, antique stores, bakeries, art galleries and much more.