Taking a Step Back to 1830s: Exploring the Elijah Iles House - Springfield's

Back in the day, Elijah Iles was one of the first gents to stake a claim in Springfield, Illinois. In 1837, he built this very house that's somehow managed to weather 182 years and remains the only structure of its kind in Springfield. This entrepreneurial fella ran the first store in Sangamon County and was a key player in moving the county seat to Springfield. The Elijah Iles House, located at 628 S. 7th Street, flaunts a Greek Revival style, a nod to Southern architecture and one of the last of its kind in Central Illinois.

Step inside, and you'll be struck by the gleaming original black walnut woodwork, adding to the house’s allure and historical importance. In 1978, this historic gem was listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural and historical significance. Now, you can take a tour of the house every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon from April to October, and you'll notice the upper level brimming with pre-Civil War furniture, while the lower level is home to the Farrell and Ann Gay Museum of Springfield History.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons