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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More Information
- Mon: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
- Tue: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Wed: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Thu: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Sat: 9:00pm – 7:00pm
- Sun: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
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...
The 2026 Season at the Springfield Muni
The Springfield Muni • May 29 – Aug 22 @ 8:30PM
Calling all theatre fans! The Springfield Muni returns with another exciting summer season!
Read more about The 2026 Season at the Springfield Muni
Women's Pro Baseball League Inagural Season at Robin Roberts Stadium
Robin Roberts Stadium • Aug 01 – Sep 22 @ 5PM
The WPBL plays their inaugural season at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield IL
Read more about Women's Pro Baseball League Inagural Season at Robin Roberts Stadium
Old Capitol Farmers' Market in Downtown Springfield
Downtown Springfield-Corner of 4th & Adams St • May 13 – Oct 31 @ 8AM
Visit Springfield's longest-running and most popular Farmers Market in beautiful downtown Springfield.
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