Vandalia State House State Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Vandalia State House
|
|
Madonna of the Trail statue in front of the Vandalia State House.
|
|
 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Vandalia, Fayette County, Illinois, USA |
|---|---|
| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1836 |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000760 |
| Added to NRHP | January 21, 1974 |
The Vandalia State House is a very important historical building in Illinois. It was built in 1836 and served as the fourth capitol building for the state. It is the oldest capitol building in Illinois that is still standing today. The first three capitol buildings are no longer around. This brick building is in the Federal style, which was popular for buildings back then. Since 1933, the state of Illinois has taken care of it as a monument. It helps us remember the early "pioneer" days of Illinois. You can find it in Vandalia, Illinois, right on the historic National Road. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's a special place recognized by the country.
Contents
Illinois' Early Capitols
When Illinois became a state in 1818, its first government center was in Kaskaskia. But the state quickly moved its capital in 1820 because of problems with the environment.
Vandalia's First Capitol
A second statehouse was built from wood in the new capital city of Vandalia. Sadly, this building burned down after only three years in 1823.
The Third Capitol Building
The third capitol building was quickly built in 1824. This building became famous because it was where Abraham Lincoln started his political career. He joined the Illinois General Assembly in 1834. Lincoln was elected from Sangamon County, which was closer to the middle of Illinois. He led a group of politicians who wanted the state government to move to the growing town of Springfield.
By early 1836, the third capitol building was not safe to use. Its walls had cracks, and the floor was sinking. Local groups refused to meet there. Some townspeople wrote to the governor, Joseph Duncan, about the problem. He told them to see if the building could be fixed. After looking closely at the damage, they decided to tear it down and build a new statehouse.
Building the Fourth Capitol
Construction of the new statehouse took about four months. Different companies and workers from the area helped build it. The new brick building was not painted. It had a pointed roof, called a gable roof, and a small tower on top, called a cupola. It cost $16,000 to build. The new building was made with bigger offices for state workers. This was thought to be more important than moving the capital at that time.
Illinois' Later Capitols
When Abraham Lincoln and his fellow politicians returned to Vandalia in the fall of 1836, they saw the brand new "State House." But in February 1837, the state lawmakers voted to move the government center. They chose Springfield because it was a larger town with more people. The fifth Illinois capitol building, known as the Old State Capitol State Historic Site, was used in Springfield from 1839 to 1876. Today, the state uses the sixth and current Illinois State Capitol building.
The Vandalia State House Today
After the capital moved, the State of Illinois gave the Vandalia State House to Fayette County. The county used it as their local courthouse. In the late 1850s, large porch-like entrances, called porticoes, were added to the courthouse. These additions made the building look like it was in the Greek Revival style. The building served as a courthouse from 1839 until 1933. Then, it became state property again.
In 1933, the old courthouse became the Vandalia State House State Memorial. A big project began to fix up and rebuild the inside of the building. In 1985, the building became a State Historic Site. It is now part of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. This agency takes care of the old state house. They also teach visitors about its short time as Illinois's fourth capitol building from 1836 to 1839. You can take guided tours, or you can explore the rooms on your own. These rooms are set up to look like they did during that historical period.
Images for kids
-
Exterior view in 2016
-
Bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln adjacent to the State House
