Pasfield Tours & Links

Capitol Complex Walking Tour

Next summer the Pasfield House will also begin an evening walking tour introducing tourists to the capitol complex, its architecture, with a brief history of how the Capital of the State of Illinois relocated to Springfield. The story will tell about the town’s early settlers such as the elder George Pasfield and Elijah Iles who were among the 50 businessmen who pledged to pay for a construction bond if the legislature voted to relocate the State Capitol Building to Springfield. Guests will also hear of the significant efforts of Dr. George Pasfield and George Pasfield Jr. to ensure that Springfield remain the Illinois Capitol.

Pasfield House owner Tony Leone is developing a film that high-lights the details of the Illinois state Capitol and buildings found on the Capitol Campus. Leone is a public member of the state capitol historic preservation advisory board which works with the Administrative Officers, Clerks and Secretaries of the Illinois General Assembly. All of these individuals are dedicated to the preservation, restoration and beautification of the Illinois capitol complex. They work with the architect of the capitol, Don McLarty who has began a extensive research towards a master plan which will have far rehashing impact for the next 50 years.

Leone hopes to promote a Capitol Campus Tour that could be conducted Sunday through Thursday during daylight saving time by college students with architectural or history majors. On Sunday evenings, with so many downtown restaurants closed, the Pasfield House will offer an outside cookout BBQ.

Leone hopes an interest in touring the campus building exterior as an architectural tour will also create greater interest for visitors taking daytime tours of both the Old State Capitol and current State Capitol interiors. Leone adds "after all, it is our two state capitol buildings that best defines the city. I want people coming to visit Mr. Lincoln's home town to get a richer experience by understanding the Lincoln connection in making Springfield the Illinois' State Capital".