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Sunday, 24 July 2005 |
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Junior Observer | ![]() |
News Business Features |
Old State Capitol : Made famous by Abraham Lincoln You have all heard of Abraham Lincoln, one of the best loved presidents of the United States of America. There are so many places in the country made famous by him and the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois is one. The Old State Capitol, one of the most important 19th century buildings in the USA, was the centre of the Illinois government from 1839 to 1876. The building, designed according to the Greek Revival tradition, was located on the old town square and began its association with Lincoln around 1837. Springfield became the Illinois state capital in 1837 with the help of Lincoln, who was then a young lawyer and politician (till then the capital was Vandalia). He lived there until he left, to become the 16th President of the USA, in 1861. The Old State Capitol served as the Illinois statehouse from 1839 to 1876. Its cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1837. The first rooms were opened for use in 1839, though completion was delayed for over 15 years due to political struggles and financial problems. The architect for the Old State Capitol was John Rague. Its design was perfectly balanced with majestic classical columns, and exterior details symbolising the ancient Greek example of orderly progress and democracy. During the 1840s and 50s, it played a leading role in Springfield's community life. Concerts and dances as well as political rallies and conventions were held there. The building also housed one of the finest law libraries. Abraham Lincoln's presence in the Capitol was very strong. He worked from the offices of the auditor and secretary of state, and used the state library and the supreme court library to prepare speeches and legal briefs. Attorney Lincoln did some of his most important legal work in the state supreme court. The Representatives Hall of the building was the site where Lincoln made several important speeches associated with the formation of the Republican party and his emergence as a national political figure. His campaign for the United States Senate started in this very hall in 1858 with his memorable "House Divided" speech. Following his nomination as a presidential candidate in May 1860, Lincoln moved into the governor's office in the Old State Capitol where he received visitors throughout the campaign, and in the weeks following his election as President. A few years later, in 1865, after Lincoln's assassination, his body lay in the same hall where large crowds gathered to pay their last respects. The city had grown too big for the building even while Lincoln was President, and soon after his death, work on a new statehouse began, while the old capitol was sold to be used as a courthouse. It underwent renovation in 1899-1901. In the late 1950s, admirers of President Lincoln led a struggle to restore the Old State Capitol to its Lincoln-era appearance. It was dismantled in 1966 and rebuilt, allowing for the inclusion of an underground public parking lot and space for the Illinois State Historical Library. The original stone exterior was restored and rebuilt, but the interior was completely reconstructed. The Old State Capitol was re - dedicated in November 1969, after being recreated as it was during Lincoln's day. Today the Old State Capitol is managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. ############# The world's longest covered bridge Have you heard of wishing bridges? We may not have a wishing bridge in Sri Lanka, but in Canada, they certainly do. The Trans-Canada Hartland Covered Bridge in Hartland, New Brunswick is what is known as the Wishing Bridge. This wooden bridge is 1,282 feet long and is known as the longest covered bridge in the world. So, why is it called a wishing bridge? A tradition, which is as old as the bridge, says you should make a wish, close your eyes, cross your fingers and hold your breath as you enter the bridge. If you can hold your breath for the entire length of the bridge, your wish is very likely to come true. This bridge was originally constructed by the Hartland Bridge Company, formed by citizens on both sides of the St. John River, who had got tired of waiting for the government to decide whether or not to build the bridge. It was officially opened on July 4, 1901 with tolls of several denominations being charged for users. The bridge was purchased by the government of New Brunswick in 1906 when the tolls were also removed. In April 1920, two sections of the bridge were swept away by ice, leading to the government carrying out major repairs and covering the structure in 1922. The bridge was provided with lights in 1924 while a side walkway was added in 1945. In June 1980, it was declared a National Historic Site and in September 1999, a Provincial Historic Site.Repairs were done to the bridge in 1982-83 when a car struck into the west end of the bridge and did extensive damage. The bridge was closed for several months and was finally reopened for traffic, on February 10, 1983. The Olympic torch has also been carried through the bridge in 1987 as part of the celebrations of the 1988 Winter Olympics held in Canada. As a mark of honour to the bridge, Canada Post Corporation launched a postage stamp with it in September 1995. The 100th anniversary of the Hartland Covered Bridge was celebrated with much festivity in 2001. |
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