Skip to main content
Shedd Aquarium

Old State Capitol

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. 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.

(The Old State Capitol is currently closed for rennovations)

What's happening nearby...

Blippi: Join the Band Tour at UIS Peforming Arts Center

UIS Performing Arts Center •  Apr 15 @ 6PM

Blippi comes to the UIS Performing Arts Center on Tuesday April 15th.

Read more about Blippi: Join the Band Tour at UIS Peforming Arts Center

The Cher Show A New Musical at UIS Performing Arts Center

Apr 17 @ 7:30PM

The Cher Show comes to the UIS Performing Arts Center on April 17th.

Read more about The Cher Show A New Musical at UIS Performing Arts Center

Charley Crockett at UIS Performing Arts Center

UIS Performing Arts Center •  May 03 @ 8PM

Charley Crockett takes the stage at the UIS Performing Arts Center May 3rd.

Read more about Charley Crockett at UIS Performing Arts Center

You might also be interested...

Bicentennial Plaza

Springfield

To mark Illinois' 200th birthday, the Bicentennial Plaza was developed in 2018 to create a walkway linking the Lincoln Home to the Governor's Mansion and State…

Read more about Bicentennial Plaza

Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon

Springfield

Surrounded by gardens and a reflecting pool, this magnificent musical instrument is one of the few in the world open to the public and offers exquisite…

Read more about Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon

Lincoln's Family Pew

Springfield

Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, like many of their neighbors, maintained a family pew in their place of worship.

Read more about Lincoln's Family Pew

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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