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...

Moonlight Market

500 S 6th Street •  May 07 – Sep 17 @ 6PM

Moonlight Market takes place the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, May through September on Jackson Street between 6th and 7th.

Read more about Moonlight Market

Fat Ass 5K & Street Party for Charity

Downtown Springfield, IL •  May 09 – May 10 @ 5PM

Thousands of runners gather from all across the U.S. to jog through the streets and enjoy the festivities of the Fat Ass 5k. Join us…

Read more about Fat Ass 5K & Street Party for Charity

Old Capitol Farmers' Market in Downtown Springfield

Downtown Springfield-Corner of 4th & Adams St •  May 14 – Oct 25 @ 8PM

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

Read more about Old Capitol Farmers' Market in Downtown Springfield

You might also be interested...

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 Firefighters Memorial

Springfield

This memorial stands in honor of the fire-fighters of Illinois who have given their lives in the line of duty and to those who heroically serve…

Read more about Illinois Firefighters Memorial

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

Springfield

Read more about Illinois Police Officers 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.