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?
What's happening nearby...
TobyMac's Hits Deep 2026 Tour at The BOS Center
The BOS Center • Feb 07 @ 7PM
TobyMac's Hits Deep 2026 Tour takes the stage at the BOS Center on February 7th.
Read more about TobyMac's Hits Deep 2026 Tour at The BOS Center
Black History Nights the Old State Capitol
Old State Capitol • Feb 07 – Feb 28 @ 5PM
Join the Old State Capitol for Black History Nights on February 7th, 21st, & 28th.
Read more about Black History Nights the Old State Capitol
Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season
The Nelson Center • Oct 31 – Apr 11 @ 6:30PM
Catch all the action of the 2025-2026 Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season!
Read more about Springfield Jr Blues Hockey SeasonYou might also be interested...
Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon
Springfield
Surrounded by gardens and a reflecting pool, this magnificent musical instrument is one of the few in the world open to the public and offers exquisite…
Read more about Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon
Illinois State Capitol
Springfield
Watch Illinois politics in action, in this beautiful Renaissance Revival/Second Empire style building topped with a stunning 405-foot dome. All tours are free.
Read more about Illinois State Capitol
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