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...
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
Winter Old Capitol Farmers Market at Springfield Union Station
Union Station • Nov 22 – Apr 25 @ 8AM
Visit Springfield's longest-running and most popular Farmers Market in beautiful downtown Springfield.
Read more about Winter Old Capitol Farmers Market at Springfield Union Station
Lincoln: A Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum • Sep 26 – Apr 26 @ 9AM
The new exhibit Lincoln: A Life & Legacy that Defined a Nation is on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum September 26-April 26th
Read more about Lincoln: A Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential MuseumYou might also be interested...
Illinois Firefighters Memorial
Springfield
This memorial stands in honor of the fire-fighters of Illinois who have given their lives in the line of duty and to those who heroically serve…
Read more about Illinois Firefighters Memorial
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
Mahan's Filling Station
Springfield
Mahan’s Filling Station, a unique example of the earliest of gas stations, is now on display at Fulgenzi’s Pizza & Pasta located across from the Historic…
Read more about Mahan's Filling Station