Skip to main content
Epiphany Farms - Bloomington

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...

Keb' Mo' and Shawn Colvin at UIS Performing Arts Center

UIS Perfomring Arts Center •  Mar 12 @ 7:30PM

Keb' Mo' & Shawn Colvin take the stage at UIS Performing Arts Center.

Read more about Keb' Mo' and Shawn Colvin at UIS Performing Arts Center

Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season

The Nelson Center •  Sep 20 – Apr 05 @ 6:30PM

Catch all the action of the 2024-2025 Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season!

Read more about Springfield Jr Blues Hockey Season

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Downtown Springfield

Downtown Springfield •  Mar 15 @ 12noon

Springfield goes green for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Hundreds of entries and millions of smiles will fill the streets of historic downtown.

Read more about St. Patrick's Day Parade in Downtown Springfield

You might also be interested...

Illinois State Military Museum

Springfield

Rare artifacts, including the artificial leg of Mexican General Santa Anna, preserve and showcase the diverse military history of Illinois from its earliest citizen soldiers to…

Read more about Illinois State Military Museum

Camp Butler National Cemetery

Springfield

Once the site of a Union Civil War training camp and Confederate prison, now a national cemetery for veterans and their dependents. There are over 25,000…

Read more about Camp Butler National Cemetery

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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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