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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...

The Questioneers at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Musuem •  Feb 16 – May 05 @ 9AM

Read. Question. Think. Play. The Questioneers exhibit comes to the Illinois Gallery at the ALPLM.

Read more about The Questioneers at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

Chicago at UIS Performing Arts Center

University of Illinois Performing Arts Center •  May 07 @ 7:30PM

Celebrating it's 25th anniversary, Chicago takes the stage at UIS Performing Arts Center on May 7th.

Read more about Chicago at UIS Performing Arts Center

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

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