A new historical novel called “The House of Lincoln” sheds some light on that. It explores 70 years of history – from the years before the Civil War into the early 20th century – through the eyes of a woman named Ana, whose family comes to Springfield at a young age from Portugal to escape persecution and find opportunity. Many other people come and go in and out of Springfield… and Ana’s life.

We interview the book's author who was born and raised in Springfield herself.