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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.

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  • 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

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What's happening nearby...

Monster X Tour at the BOS Center

The BOS Center •  Feb 21 @ 1:30PM

Catch all the thrills of the Monster X Tour at the BOS Center on February 21st

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Lincoln and Shakespeare at The Hoogland Center for the Arts

The Hoogland Center for the Arts •  Feb 21 – Feb 22 @ 7PM

Lincoln and Shakespeare takes the stage at the Hoogland Center for the Arts February 21st & 22nd

Read more about Lincoln and Shakespeare at The Hoogland Center for the Arts

Black History Nights the Old State Capitol

Old State Capitol •  Feb 07 – Feb 28 @ 5PM

Join the Old State Capitol for Black History Nights on February 7th, 21st, & 28th.

Read more about Black History Nights the Old State Capitol

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