Abraham Lincoln and Springfield, Illinois

Serving as the Illinois statehouse from 1839 to 1876, Springfield's Old State Capitol building played an important role in Abraham Lincoln's rise to political prominence. A daily visitor to the building, Lincoln delivered his memorable "House Divided" speech in its Representatives Hall during his campaign for the U.S. Senate. Although he lost that election, he was nominated to run for president two years later, and we all know how that turned out.

Photo credit: Illinois Old Capitol building (Photodisc/Getty)

Springfield, Missouri, Escapes: Outdoors in the Ozarks

The largest range between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Rockies, the Ozarks offer unexpected delights, particularly for spelunkers. Cave explorers may encounter the endangered Ozark blind salamander, a peculiar creature that has lost its pigmentation from dwelling in darkness for so long.

Photo credit: Ozarks: Photodisc/Getty