Old State Capitol State Historic Site facts for kids
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Old Illinois State Capitol
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The Old State Capitol building in Springfield, Illinois.
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| Location | Springfield, Illinois |
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| Built | 1837 |
| Architect | John Francis Rague |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000331 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | July 4, 1961 |
The Old State Capitol State Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois, is a very important old building. It used to be where the government of Illinois met. This building was constructed between 1837 and 1840. It became the state's main government building in 1840 and served that role until 1876.
The building is famous because Abraham Lincoln announced his plan to run for the U.S. Senate here in 1858. Many years later, in 2007, Barack Obama also announced his plan to run for President of the United States at this historic spot. Because of its connection to Lincoln and his political rival Stephen Douglas, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
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Illinois's Early Government Home
Before Springfield, the capital of Illinois was a small town called Vandalia, Illinois. Vandalia was a good location when Illinois was a young state. But as more people moved to northern Illinois in the 1830s, many wanted the capital moved. They wanted it to be closer to the center of the state.
Moving the Capital to Springfield
A group of nine Illinois lawmakers worked hard to move the capital. One of these lawmakers was a young lawyer named Abraham Lincoln. He was part of the Whig Party. Their efforts worked! In 1837, the Illinois General Assembly (the state's lawmaking body) passed a law. This law planned for the capital to move to Springfield by 1839.
Building the Old State Capitol
Workers built the new state office building in Springfield between 1837 and 1840. It was a large building for its time. The city of Springfield helped pay for it. A local architect named John Francis Rague designed the building. It was made from yellow limestone from a nearby town.
The building had special rooms for both parts of the General Assembly. It also had offices for the Governor of Illinois and other state leaders. There was even a room for the Illinois Supreme Court.
Lincoln's Time in the Capitol
Abraham Lincoln spent important years in this building. He served his last term as a state lawmaker here in 1840–41. As a lawyer, he argued many cases before the state supreme court from 1841 to 1860.
Lincoln's Famous Speeches
In the Illinois House chamber, Lincoln gave his famous House Divided speech in June 1858. In this speech, he announced he was running for the U.S. Senate. Years later, in May 1865, Lincoln's body was brought back to this same chamber. It lay in state here after his death in Washington, D.C., before his final burial in Springfield's Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Outgrowing the Building
By the 1870s, Illinois had grown a lot, especially after the American Civil War. The Old State Capitol became too small for the state government. So, Illinois built a new, larger State Capitol building. It was located just a few blocks away. After the new capitol opened in 1876, the Old State Capitol became the county courthouse for Sangamon County.
The Building as a Courthouse
From 1876 until 1966, the Old State Capitol served as the courthouse for Sangamon County. During these years, the building changed a lot. In 1839, a two-story building was big enough for the entire state government. But as Springfield grew, the county needed more space.
Major Changes to the Building
In 1898-1899, Sangamon County made a big change. They lifted the entire historic building about 11 feet (3.4 meters) into the air! Then, they added a third floor underneath it. They also changed the inside of the building to create courtrooms and office spaces.
Becoming a Museum
In the early 1960s, people became very interested in the Civil War's 100th anniversary. This brought new attention to the historic building. Also, Sangamon County needed even more space. So, the county decided to build a brand new courthouse. The Old State Capitol was given back to the state of Illinois. This time, it would be a public museum and a place to learn about Lincoln's history.
Restoring the Old State Capitol
To bring the Old State Capitol back to its original look, workers carefully took it apart. They removed each stone, one by one, and then rebuilt it. The public areas were restored to look exactly as they did in 1860. This was the last time Lincoln saw the capitol before he left for Washington.
Underground Complex
The state also dug out the ground under and around the Old State Capitol. They built a large office and parking complex there. This complex later became the main office for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
The restoration work happened between 1966 and 1969. The rebuilt House Chamber was ready for the state's Constitutional Convention to use in 1970. The Old State Capitol was also updated again between 2023 and 2025.
Modern Ceremonies
Today, the restored Old State Capitol is still used for special events. In February 2007, then-U.S. Senator Barack Obama announced his plan to run for President of the United States here. In August 2008, he introduced his running mate, Joe Biden, with the building as a backdrop.
Visitors can explore the capitol on their own. They can also take a 30-minute guided tour to learn more about its history.
See also
