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Old State Capitol State Historic Site

1 Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, IL 62701

Historic Sites

Within these walls a great man rose to prominence to become the 16th president of the United States. It was here Lincoln spoke the immortal words, “A house divided against itself cannot stand…” as the threat of a Civil War loomed.

The Old State Capitol is a reconstruction of Illinois' fifth statehouse, the first to be located in Springfield. It is here that Lincoln practiced law, served as a legislator and gave his famed House Divided speech on slavery in 1858. The building served as the seat of state government and a center of Illinois political life from 1839-1876. Also, the site of where Barack Obama announced his 2007 presidential candidacy. The current State Capitol Building is the center of state government, where visitors can watch Illinois politics in action when the legislature is in session.

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  • Mon: Closed
  • Tue: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Wed: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Thu: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Sat: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Sun: Closed

Holiday Hours:
New Year’s Day Martin Luther King Jr. Day Presidents Day Labor Day Memorial Day
Independence Day

Free

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