Skip to main content

Search the middle of everything...

Shedd Aquarium

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?

Back to Listings

What's happening nearby...

Moonlight Market

500 S 6th Street •  May 07 – Sep 17 @ 6PM

Moonlight Market takes place the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, May through September on Jackson Street between 6th and 7th.

Read more about Moonlight Market

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

You might also be interested...

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

Lincoln Tomb

Springfield

Within this breathtaking monument lie the remains of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons.

Read more about Lincoln Tomb

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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.