Skip to main content

Search the middle of everything...

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

History Comes Alive

Springfield, IL •  Jun 06 – Aug 09 @ 9AM

This summer, History Comes Alive returns for its 16th season as Abraham and Mary Lincoln lead a cast of characters on a trip back in time.

Read more about History Comes Alive

You might also be interested...

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

Springfield

More than 40,000 square feet of galleries, theaters, and historic displays that combine scholarship with showmanship – culminating in the world’s best collection of Lincoln lore…

Read more about Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

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

Vachel Lindsay Home

Springfield

In the heart of our country stands the home of Vachel Lindsay - poet, illustrator, and pioneering film critic. From this lifelong base, Lindsay travelled America,…

Read more about Vachel Lindsay Home

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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