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: 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

How to find us?

Back to Listings

What's happening nearby...

Hobnob Holiday Market

Illinois State Fairgrounds - Expo Building •  Nov 07 – Nov 08 @ 4PM

A festive holiday shopping wonderland awaits at the Hobnob Holiday Market at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on November 8th & 9th.

Read more about Hobnob Holiday Market

Ansar Shrine Circus at Bank of Springfield Center

Bank of Springfield Center •  Nov 07 – Nov 09 @ 7:30PM

The greatest show in three rings comes to the BOS Center November 7-9.

Read more about Ansar Shrine Circus at Bank of Springfield Center

The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66 at The Kidzeum of Health & Science

The Kidzeum of Health and Science •  Jul 19 – Dec 28 @ 9AM

Families can explore America's most iconic highway at The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66 exhibit at The Kidzeum of Health & Science

Read more about The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66 at The Kidzeum of Health & Science

You might also be interested...

Illinois Police Officers Memorial

Springfield

Read more about Illinois Police Officers Memorial

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

Camp Butler National Cemetery

Springfield

Once the site of a Union Civil War training camp and Confederate prison, now a national cemetery for veterans and their dependents. There are over 25,000…

Read more about Camp Butler National Cemetery

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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