The Old State Capitol Foundation

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Union Pacific’s Big Boy Locomotive - World’s Largest and Most Powerful Steam Train In this special episode, Jay Leno explores the world’s largest stea...

in 1903, Theodore Roosevelt stood at Lincoln's Tomb in Springfield, Illinois — and used the moment to say something he believed to his core.

Roosevelt noticed that the guard around Lincoln's tomb was made up of African American soldiers, and it moved him. He had served beside Black troops at Santiago in Cuba five years earlier, and he never forgot it. Standing there, he said: "A man who is good enough to shed his blood for the country is good enough to be given a square deal afterward. More than that no man is entitled to, and less than that no man shall have."

That phrase — the square deal — became one of the defining ideas of his presidency. It wasn't a promise that everyone would succeed. It was a promise that everyone would get a fair chance and an honest hand: no crookedness in the dealing.

There was real weight in saying it on that spot — Lincoln's tomb, in Lincoln's hometown, with Lincoln's legacy of union and freedom all around. Roosevelt was placing his own creed in that long line, and tying it directly to the men who had earned it under fire.

It was the next-to-last day of a 14,000-mile journey. Of all the hundreds of things he said on that tour, these are among the words best worth remembering.

Join CILCSA from 7:30-9 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, for a Summer Coffee Social at Pease’s at Bunn Gourmet. Enjoy networking, conversation and delicious breakfast treats.

Join us for the WPBL Leadoff Luncheon as we celebrate the launch of the Women's Pro Baseball League and kick off the inaugural season!

July 31 | 📍 Crowne Plaza�
$95 Individual Tickets
$700 Table of 8
🎟: https://tinyurl.com/2st66zt8

Be there from the very beginning as the WPBL takes the first swing toward a new era in professional baseball.

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So excited about this amazing exhibit!

A sneak peek of a new exhibit coming to the Old State Capitol soon…
NOIR 6: The Truth opens June 12

In this image, artist Zach Adams (left) shares one of his pieces for the exhibit with NOIR 6 curator Austin Wells (right) at the Old State Capitol.

We’re grateful to work alongside the Illinois State Museum, Juneteenth Inc.- Springfield, IL and curators Austin Wells and Jaliyah Ross to host this exhibit at our historic site. We look forward to sharing more about it soon!

Illinois Department of Natural Resources The Old State Capitol Foundation Dana-Thomas House Foundation Vachel Lindsay Association Visit Springfield My Heart's Downtown Springfield, IL Downtown Springfield, Inc. Downtown Springfield Heritage Foundation Looking For Lincoln