Skip to main content
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...

Bored Teachers Comedy Tour at UIS Performing Arts Center

UIS Performing Arts Center •  May 09 @ 7:30PM

Bored Teachers bring their We Can't Make This Stuff Up comedy tour to UIS Performing Arts Center on May 9th.

Read more about Bored Teachers Comedy Tour at UIS Performing Arts Center

Kameron Marlowe at Boondocks

Boondocks •  May 09 @ 7PM

Kameron Marlowe brings his Strangers Tour to Boondocks on May 9th.

Read more about Kameron Marlowe at Boondocks

2024 Fat A$$ 5K and Street Party for Charity

Downtown Springfield •  May 10 – May 11 @ 5:30PM

Thousands of runners gather from all across the U.S. to jog through the streets and enjoy the festivities of the Fat A$$ 5k. Join us…

Read more about 2024 Fat A$$ 5K and Street Party for Charity

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

WWII Illinois Veterans Memorial

Springfield

This memorial honors the 987,000 men and women from the State of Illinois who served our country during World War II.

Read more about WWII Illinois Veterans Memorial

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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