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: 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...
Jeff Dunham: Artificial Intelligence at The BOS Center
The BOS Center • Apr 11 @ 5PM
Comedian and Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham performs at the Bank of Springfield Center on April 26th.
Read more about Jeff Dunham: Artificial Intelligence at The BOS Center
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!
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Spring Floral Show at Washington Park Botanical Gardens
Washington Park Botanical Garden • Mar 21 – Apr 12 @ 12noon
Spring has sprung at the Washington Park Botanical Garden for the Spring Floral Show March 22 - April 12.
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Mahan's Filling Station
Springfield
Mahan’s Filling Station, a unique example of the earliest of gas stations, is now on display at Fulgenzi’s Pizza & Pasta located across from the Historic…
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Route History Museum & Souvenir Shop
Springfield
At Route History visitors can experience and learn about pioneers that made significant contributions to Illinois, the city of Springfield, the greater society, located along…
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WWII Illinois Veterans Memorial
Springfield
This memorial honors the 987,000 men and women from the State of Illinois who served our country during World War II.
Read more about WWII Illinois Veterans Memorial