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
Images
More Information
- 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
How to find us?
What's happening nearby...
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
Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season
The Nelson Center • Oct 31 – Apr 11 @ 6:30PM
Catch all the action of the 2025-2026 Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season!
Read more about Springfield Jr Blues Hockey SeasonLincoln: 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 MuseumYou might also be interested...
Vachel Lindsay Home
Springfield
In the heart of our country stands the home of Vachel Lindsay - poet, illustrator, and pioneering film critic. From this lifelong base, Lindsay travelled America,…
Read more about Vachel Lindsay Home
Elijah Iles House: Springfield's History Museum
Springfield
Learn about early Springfield at the home of one of the city's founding fathers, Elijah Iles.
Read more about Elijah Iles House: Springfield's History Museum
Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition
Springfield
Looking for Lincoln shares Abraham Lincoln’s Illinois story across 43 counties, preserving the region’s cultural and historical legacies while inspiring visitors through Lincoln’s enduring values, leadership,…
Read more about Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition