Vandalia State House
315 West Gallatin Street, Vandalia, IL 62471
Historic Sites
The oldest Illinois State Capitol building is Federal-style architecture. At the top of the staircase are the Senate and House of Representatives where Abraham Lincoln began his political career.
Vandalia, the second capital of Illinois, is steeped in history. Built in 1836, it is the oldest Illinois State Capitol building. The Federal-style white building which served as the Illinois State Capitol from 1836-1839 is impressive with its high ceilings, tall windows and vintage furnishings. At the top of the broad, curving staircase are the Senate and House of Representatives chambers, where Abraham Lincoln began his historical political career for the grand sum of $4 a day. Today, the Statehouse draws more than 30,000 annual visitors. Visitors may take guided tours or they may walk through the building at their own leisure. Exhibits include display boards that have copies of documents from Illinois' early days and Lincoln's tenure as a state representative in Vandalia. Visitors will walk on the same wooden floors where the future President once walked.
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