Though heavy with history and slow to change, the city of Vandalia, Illinois, is quick to spot an opportunity. Take Abraham Lincoln, whose career began there during the city's brief stint as the state capital. Sticklers note that Lincoln loathed Vandalia, helping to move the capital to Springfield. No matter. Lincoln sells, so signs bearing his name lure tourists from a nearby interstate highway to the porticoed capitol building where he served. The old statehouse (across the street from Lincoln Park) recently acquired a $5,000 Lincoln mannequin. "He couldn't wait to leave," grins a guide, giving Abe a pat. "Now we've brought him back."
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