Why is Springfield the Capital of Illinois?

The capital of Illinois is Springfield, not Chicago. This is a common point of confusion because of the size and prominence of Chicago. Many people are curious about the history and reasons behind Springfield's designation as the capital of Illinois. This article aims to clarify these points and address some of the common misconceptions.

What is the History of Springfield as the Capital?

Springfield has served as Illinois' state capital since 1839, when it was designated the third and current capital. It is the 7th largest city in the state, with a population of around 116, 960 (as of 2021). While Chicago is undoubtedly the largest and wealthiest city in Illinois, it is not the capital for several important reasons.

Historical and Geographical Reasons for the Capital Location

Springfield was chosen as the capital largely because of its central location in the state. In the 19th century, this central positioning made sense for a number of reasons:

Central Geography: When politicians had to travel by horseback or horse-drawn carriages, a central location facilitated easier and more efficient visits for all legislators. Southern Illinois to Chicago would have been a significant journey, making Springfield a more practical choice.

Economic Reasons: Springfield was a hub for trade and business in the middle of the state, making it a logical choice for the state's administrative center.

Political Stability: By choosing a city that was not the largest or most economically dominant, the state aimed to ensure a more politically stable capital. Chicago, with its significant influence and power, could have created political tensions.

Chicago’s Influence and the State Government

While Chicago is indeed the largest city in Illinois and holds a lot of economic and political power, this does not necessarily make it the capital. Here are some additional reasons why Springfield remains the capital:

Voting Power: The state legislature, which includes representatives and senators from all over Illinois, votes on the capital. This democratic process ensures that the state capital is chosen based on regional representation rather than urban dominance.

Political Power Dynamics: Chicago does have a significant mayor who holds considerable power. However, the Illinois governor's office, located in Springfield, remains the official seat of government. The governor and the state legislature work together in Springfield to govern the state.

Infrastructure and Resources: While Chicago has robust infrastructure and resources, Springfield has its own unique infrastructure and resources tailored for state governance. The Illinois State Capitol in Springfield is a significant structure that houses the Illinois General Assembly and Illinois Department of Central Management Services.

Some argue that Chicago’s mayor has more power than the Illinois governor, but this is a misconception. The Illinois governor, whose office is in Springfield, is still the highest-ranking elected official in the state, with substantial executive powers. The mayor of Chicago is elected to manage the city's municipal affairs, not state government.

Conclusion

In summary, the choice of Springfield as the capital of Illinois is deeply rooted in historical and geographical factors. The central location of Springfield has been key to maintaining regional balance and stability, which are vital for the efficient functioning of state government. While Chicago is undoubtedly a major city in Illinois, it is not the capital because the role of the state capital has been allocated through a democratic process to a city that better represents the state as a whole.