Old State Capitol Building Overview:
This building served as the seat of Illinois state government from 1839 to 1876. At the time, it was the fifth Illinois state government capitol.The building is closely associated with Abraham Lincoln. He served as part of the first state legislature that sat here between 1840 and 1841. He gave his famous "House Divided" speech here in 1858 in the Representatives Hall. After his assassination, he laid-in-state here as well.
Old State Capitol Building Address :
1 Old State Capitol Plaza
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: (217)785-7960
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Old State Capitol Visiting Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.(Please call ahead to confirm.)
Closed on major holidays.
The building is fully accessible for persons with disabilities.
Key Events in the History of the Old State Capitol Building:
- 1837 - The cornerstone was laid.
- 1839 to 1876 - The building served as Illinois' fifth State Capitol.
- 1840 to 1841 - Abraham Lincoln was a member of the first legislature that sat here.
- 1858 - Lincoln made his "House Divided" speech here when accepting the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate.
- May 3 to 4, 1865 - The building hosted Lincoln's final laying-in-state after his assassination.
- 1960's - The building underwent a major renovation.
- 1961 - The building received its designation as a National Historic Landmark.
- 1966 - The building became listed on the National Historic Register of Places.
- February 10, 2007 - U.S. Senator Barack Obama announced on the building grounds that he would seek the nomination of the Democratic Party for President of the United States.
- August 23, 2008 - U.S. Senator and presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama names U.S. Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) as his running mate at the building.
Old State Capitol Building Architecture Notes:
- The architect was J. F. Rague.
- The building is considered Greek-Revival Style.
- It is built of local stone.
Old State Capitol Essential Websites:
Virtual Tour of Old State CapitolIllinois Historic Preservation Agency - Official Website for the Old State Capitol Building
