By Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – Abraham Lincoln continues to dominate Illinois’ bicentennial best-of lists.
Historic sites with ties to the country’s 16th president took three of the top 10 spots on Illinois’ Top 200 Historic Sites list.
Chris Wills with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency said Lincoln’s New Salem site near Springfield, which is a reconstruction of the former village of New Salem where Lincoln lived from 1831 to 1837, was voted the most noteworthy historic site. Lincoln’s home in Springfield took fourth, and the Old State Capitol came in seventh.
“In the Land of Lincoln, it just makes sense that Lincoln-related sites would dominate the Top 10,” Wills said. “He’s the most important Illinoisan, ever. And there are some wonderful sites related to him.”
Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood came in second on the list. John Deere’s landmark near Dixon came in third, and Route 66 came in sixth.
Wills said one of the interesting things with each bicentennial best-of list is the history that voters choose to focus on. And Illinois’ early history was featured on this list.
“One place that is incredibly important in Illinois’ history, and maybe doesn’t get as much recognition as it should, is Cahokia Mounds,” Wills said. “It came in at No. 5 on the list.”
Cahokia was one of the largest Native American cities in America. Historians believe as many as 40,000 people lived there. That would make Cahokia larger than London in the 13th Century.
Wills said voting is now open on Illinois’ most beautiful scenic spots at IllinoisTop200.com.
