Ebenezer Capps' Store

Ebenezer Capps' store stood in Vandalia near the northeast corner of Main and Fourth streets, although changes after the construction of the St. Louis, Vandalia and Terre Haute Railroad mean its site likely lies in the middle of what is now Main Street. Capps arrived in Vandalia in the late 1820's and received a grocery license from the Fayette County court of commissioners in 1828. His establishment was frequented by members of the legislature, and he was said to buy everything offered for sale and sell everything from a needle to an elephant. For many years, Capps' market quotations set commodity prices from Vandalia to New Orleans. In February 1837, after the Long Nine succeeded in passing legislation to remove the capital to Springfield, they held a celebration at Capps' tavern near the state house and invited the entire legislature, with most members attending and enjoying free champagne, cigars, oysters, and other delights, the cost being paid by Ninian W. Edwards. Although supporters of Vandalia tried several times to reverse the February 1837 vote, including a final meeting in July 1838, most historians agree that the vote involved political bargaining but no illegal or improper acts. During the years when Vandalia served as the state capital, Ebenezer Capps operated one of the largest wholesale and retail establishments in Illinois.

Vandalia, Illinois · United States