The quiet midwestern city of Springfield, Illinois is located within Sangamon County.
Spanning a little over 67 miles geographically with the Sangamon River running through it and situated smack dab in the middle of the state, today it boasts a total population of nearly 117,000 residents and is considered the largest city in central Illinois.
But despite the fact that it serves as the capital of Illinois, to this very day, the Springfield still retains a quiet hometown feeling and projects images of apple pie and solid suburban Americana life to its residents and those visiting the city.
Springfield is best known for having been the home of our 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.
Yet, despite its cozy small-town feel, rich history, and warmth, for many years, Springfield had a seedier side to it as well.
Statistically, the city has long maintained one of the highest crime rates per capita of any large city in America.
In fact, since at least the early 1920s, it has also served as the headquarters for a small but vibrant Mafia family that considered Springfield its own personal fiefdom and underworld turf.
Keep reading for a short history of the Frank Zito Family of Springfield, Illinois, and view the Zito Family Leadership Chart.
