Old State Capitol

The Old State Capitol was the core of the Illinois government from 1839 to 1876. Abraham Lincoln was a state legislator here, and he pleaded cases before the Supreme Court and presented his famous “House Divided” speech at this location.

The fifth capitol building is where Abraham Lincoln declared his candidacy in 1858 and Barack Obama in 2007. It was built for the U.S. state of Illinois and was constructed in the Greek Revival style in 1837–1840.

A great man rose to power and became the 16th President of the United States within the walls of the Old State. Abraham Lincoln spoke as the threat of a Civil War loomed.

As a legislator, Lincoln played a crucial role in moving the state capital of Illinois from Vandalia to Springfield area. Designed by architect John Rague, the capitol building replaced two previous courthouses.

Recognized in the National Register of Historic Places, the Old State Capitol was remodeled to its original grandeur in the 1960s. This historic capitol building has a reconstructed supreme courtroom, rotundas, and libraries. They all give a fascinating chance to go back in time to when Lincoln graced the halls.

Its saviors devotedly recreated the building in which John Jones and Frances Gage worked to expand the meaning of freedom.

There are two access points to the Old State Capitol. One is from the north (Washington Street) and the other from the south (Adams Plaza). The grounds are open to the public. They include a beautiful strolling path and perennial gardens. You can picnic or play on the grass or use the benches.

You can bring your dog and walk on the grounds but not inside unless your pet is a registered service dog. The management outlines that pet owners must clean after their pets.

The current State Capitol Building is the epi-center of state government. You can watch Illinois politics in action during the legislative sessions.

Work on a new statehouse began soon after Abraham Lincoln’s death. The current building was brought down in 1966 and rebuilt. The original look of the exterior was restored and rebuilt, but the interior was completely remodeled.

You can opt for guided 30-minute tours. Visitors are encouraged to tour the rooms on their own. Tour bookings are highly prescribed.

Furthermore, It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, primarily for its association with Lincoln and his political rival Stephen Douglas.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
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