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
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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
How to find us?
What's happening nearby...
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon - Washington Park • Oct 17 – Oct 18 @ 6:30PM
Enjoy the sparking splendor of illuminated hand-carved jack-o-lanterns displayed around the Carillon and the Washington Park Botanical Garden.
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Old Capitol Farmers' Market in Downtown Springfield
Downtown Springfield-Corner of 4th & Adams St • May 14 – Oct 25 @ 8AM
Visit Springfield's longest-running and most popular Farmers Market in beautiful downtown Springfield.
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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
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