Skip to main content
Shedd Aquarium

Old State Capitol

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. 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.

(The Old State Capitol is currently closed for rennovations)

What's happening nearby...

Springfield Lucky Horseshoes Baseball

Robin Roberts Stadium •  May 27 – Jul 30 @ 6:30PM

Catch all the excitement of the 2025 Springfield Lucky Horseshoes' baseball season

Read more about Springfield Lucky Horseshoes Baseball

Levitt Amp Music Series in Downtown Springfield

The Y Block-Downtown Springfield •  May 29 – Jul 31 @ 6PM

The Levitt Amp Concert Series is back for 2025 in downtown Springfield

Read more about Levitt Amp Music Series in Downtown Springfield

Lincoln: Sight, Sound & Touch at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum •  May 23 – Aug 24 @ 9AM

Lincoln: Sight, Sound & Touch is on display at the ALPLM, May 23 - August 24

Read more about Lincoln: Sight, Sound & Touch at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

You might also be interested...

Edwards Place

Springfield

Built in 1833, this Italianate mansion was part of the social center of Springfield in its day. Nearly all of Illinois' most prominent citizens and politicians,…

Read more about Edwards Place

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Springfield

The national historic site, run by the National Park Service, includes the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned, as well as a four-block neighborhood that reveals…

Read more about Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Illinois Korean War Memorial

Springfield

The Memorial consists of a twelve-foot-tall bronze bell, honoring the 1,748 Illinoisans killed during the 1950-1953 Korean War. This memorial was dedicated on June 16,…

Read more about Illinois Korean War Memorial

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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