Skip to main content

Search the middle of everything...

Shedd Aquarium

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.

Illinois 250

Images

More Information

  • Mon: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
  • Tue: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Wed: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Thu: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Sat: 9:00pm – 7:00pm
  • Sun: 1:00pm – 5:00pm

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

Free

How to find us?

Back to Listings

What's happening nearby...

Women's Pro Baseball League Inagural Season at Robin Roberts Stadium

Robin Roberts Stadium •  Aug 01 – Sep 22 @ 5PM

The WPBL plays their inaugural season at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield IL

Read more about Women's Pro Baseball League Inagural Season at Robin Roberts Stadium

Old Capitol Farmers' Market in Downtown Springfield

Downtown Springfield-Corner of 4th & Adams St •  May 13 – Oct 31 @ 8AM

Visit Springfield's longest-running and most popular Farmers Market in beautiful downtown Springfield.

Read more about Old Capitol Farmers' Market in Downtown Springfield

Route 66 Bob Waldmire Art Exhibit at The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space

The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space •  Jun 28 – Dec 19 @ 12noon

In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, The Pharmacy will host a special Bob Waldmire Art Exhibit

Read more about Route 66 Bob Waldmire Art Exhibit at The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space

You might also be interested...

WWII Illinois Veterans Memorial

Springfield

This memorial honors the 987,000 men and women from the State of Illinois who served our country during World War II.

Read more about WWII Illinois Veterans Memorial

Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition

Springfield

Looking for Lincoln shares Abraham Lincoln’s Illinois story across 43 counties, preserving the region’s cultural and historical legacies while inspiring visitors through Lincoln’s enduring values, leadership,…

Read more about Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition

Dana-Thomas House - Frank Lloyd Wright Design

Springfield

Reputed to be one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s largest and most elaborate Prairie-style designs, the house has 35 rooms with more than 100 pieces of original…

Read more about Dana-Thomas House - Frank Lloyd Wright Design

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.