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.
Illinois 250
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- Mon: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
- Tue: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Wed: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Thu: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Sat: 9:00pm – 7:00pm
- Sun: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
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...
Ziggy Marley at the Illinois State Fair Grandstand
Illinois State Fair Grandstand • Aug 18 @ 8PM
Ziggy Marley comes to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Tuesday August 18th
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The 2026 Season at the Springfield Muni
The Springfield Muni • May 29 – Aug 22 @ 8:30PM
Calling all theatre fans! The Springfield Muni returns with another exciting summer season!
Read more about The 2026 Season at the Springfield Muni
Illinois State Fair
Illinois State Fairgrounds • Aug 13 – Aug 23 @ 7AM
The Illinois State Fair has been celebrated nearly every year since 1953 as a showcase for Illinois agriculture. Come join the fun!
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