Old State Capitol

The Old State Capitol was the fifth Statehouse in Illinois history and served as the Capitol from 1839 to 1876. Its cornerstone was laid during ceremonies held July 4, 1837. During the 1840s and 1850s the building dominated Springfield's square and became a center of public life, hosting benefit dinners and other civic affairs in its rooms. Its Legislative Chambers were the scene of frequent political meetings, and cultural programs often accompanied legislative sessions that attracted citizens from throughout Illinois to the Capitol City. Abraham Lincoln frequented the building from 1839 until he departed in 1861 to assume the Presidency. As a lawyer, he often practiced before the Illinois Supreme Court there, and he delivered several important speeches, including the 1858 "House Divided" address in Representatives' Hall. The Governor's room served as his informal headquarters during the 1860 Presidential Campaign. In 1865, citizens paid their last respects to the assassinated President in Representatives' Hall before burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery. In 1875, a new Statehouse replaced the Old State Capitol, which became the Sangamon County Courthouse. Legislation passed in 1961 led to the state's purchase and reconstruction of the building to its Lincoln-era appearance, and the three-year project was completed in 1969.

Springfield, Illinois · United States