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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...

Old Capitol Farmers' Market in Downtown Springfield

Downtown Springfield-Corner of 4th & Adams St •  May 14 – Oct 25 @ 8AM

Visit Springfield's longest-running and most popular Farmers Market in beautiful downtown Springfield.

Read more about Old Capitol Farmers' Market in Downtown Springfield

The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66 at The Kidzeum of Health & Science

The Kidzeum of Health and Science •  Jul 19 – Dec 28 @ 9AM

Families can explore America's most iconic highway at The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66 exhibit at The Kidzeum of Health & Science

Read more about The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66 at The Kidzeum of Health & Science

Lincoln: A Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum •  Sep 26 – Apr 26 @ 9AM

The new exhibit Lincoln: A Life & Legacy that Defined a Nation is on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum September 26-April 26th

Read more about Lincoln: A Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

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