With a shorter journey ahead, I was able to spend most of the day in Springfield. The main claim to fame here is that it was the home of Abraham Lincoln before he became president (he was actually born in Kentucky but achieved his fame from here, having moved to practice law at the age of 27).Lincoln's one and only home he owned is still here and open to the public (thanks to Lincoln's son donating it - he also specified that access should be free). It is quite an impressive house (but no mansion, see picture below) and apparently was significantly rebuilt during Lincoln's time as he became more successful. Also here is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. It is not an "official" presidential library (the concept has only existed since FDR) but still acts as an archive for many of Lincoln's papers. The museum itself is described on wikitravel as "being very 21st century, but in a good way" - I see what it means but it was a little too Disneyfied for my tastes (with shows and models) but hopefully it helped engage some younger people!
Also had a walk round Springfield and saw the old and new capital buildings (see below and above), apart from which the centre appeared fairly deserted. Then a journey through Illinois farmland to St Louis.(What is remarkable is that if you were doing this in 2 weeks, you would be in St Louis on your second night. Therefore everything I have seen in Chicago, Springfield and along the route you would have hardly seen!)
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