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Finding Your Genealogical Roots: Research Centers In Springfield Illinois, R Philip Reynolds

Librarian and Staff Publications

As the Capital of Illinois, Springfield is the home of a wide variety of genealogical collections. Illinois land offered as a bounty for service in the war of 1812 Stimulated early settlement. Farmers from overworked Eastern states migrated to the rich prairies of Illinois. Later immigrants from Europe reached Illinois through lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. Following the Civil War, Illinois became the starting point for many in the westward migration.

Visitors to Springfield can find records left by their ancestors whether they setled in Illinois or used it as a jumping off point to the West. Research Facilities …