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...
History Comes Alive: Spring Break Edition
Downtown Springfield • Mar 21 – Apr 04 @ 10AM
History Comes Alive just in time for Spring Break. Look for the Lincolns as you enjoy a trip back in time. March 21 - April…
Read more about History Comes Alive: Spring Break Edition
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 Season
Spring Floral Show at Washington Park Botanical Gardens
Washington Park Botanical Garden • Mar 21 – Apr 12 @ 12noon
Spring has sprung at the Washington Park Botanical Garden for the Spring Floral Show March 22 - April 12.
Read more about Spring Floral Show at Washington Park Botanical GardensYou might also be interested...
Governor's Mansion
Springfield
The Mansion serves as the official residence of the First Family, a working office for staff, a museum for visitors, and a venue for educational, professional,…
Read more about Governor's Mansion
Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition
Springfield
Looking for Lincoln shares Abraham Lincoln’s Illinois story across 43 counties, preserving the region’s cultural and historical legacies while inspiring visitors through Lincoln’s enduring values, leadership,…
Read more about Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition
Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Museum
Springfield
The war that helped shape a country is remembered here in "War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies."
Read more about Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Museum