Old State Capitol - Springfield, IL - U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Waymarking.com

From the introductory paragraphs of National Register of Historic Places application:

This building, started in 1837, served as the fifth capitol of Illinois, from 1839 until 1876. Here Abraham Lincoln sat in the State Legislature from the time the Hall of the House of Representatives was opened in December 1840, until the session -- Lincoln's last -- ended in the following March. Here Lincoln argued cases before the State Supreme Court, and used the State and Supreme Court libraries. In the Old State Capitol Lincoln accepted the Republican nomination for senator, in the momentous contest with Stephen A. Douglas. On that occasion, June 16, 1858, he made the noted "House Divided" speech which won him considerable attention int he Nation's press, and which is considered on of his greatest addresses. Here, too, Lincoln's body lay in state before interment at Springfield's Oak Ridge Cemetery. The building also was the scene of Stephen A. Douglas' speech of April 25, 1861, declaring for preservation of the Union. Some authorities credit the speech as a major influence in saving Southern Illinois for the Union.

The building, designed by John F. Rague of Springfield, was constructed of cut stone quarried a few miles from the site. I consisted of two floors, and was surmounted by a dome supported by a tower and columns. Porticos supported by large Doric columns were located over the north and south entrances. There were no side entrances in the original. A rotunda used for public meetings extended from the north to the south doors and contained the stairway leading to the second floor.

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Today, the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency provides guided tours of this historic structure. Unfortunately, the days and hours of operation are variable depending upon the season. During my visit, they were not open on Monday's and I was not able to tour the interior. The website directs visitors to call ahead to plan their visit. 217-785-7960

Street address: Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, IL USA 62701 County / Borough / Parish: Sangamon County Year listed: 1966 Historic (Areas of) Significance: Person, Event Periods of significance: 1825-1849, 1850-1874 Historic function: Government; Capitol Current function: Recreation And Culture; Museum Privately owned?: no Primary Web Site: [Web Link] Secondary Website 1: [Web Link] Season start / Season finish: Not listed Hours of operation: Not listed Secondary Website 2: Not listed National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and brief account of your visit. Include any additional observations or information that you may have, particularly about the current condition of the site. Additional photos are highly encouraged, but not mandatory.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   05/21/2023 wildernessmama visited it 10/21/2016 stevepre2 visited it 04/30/2016 kJfishman visited it 09/08/2014 petendot visited it 02/06/2014 walkingwildly visited it 10/12/2013 adgorn visited it 08/30/2013 NorStar visited it 03/19/2013 Sneakin Deacon visited it 06/26/2012 50 State Redhead visited it 04/07/2010 BruceS visited it 04/07/2010 BruceS visited it 08/19/2009 nomadwillie visited it 06/27/2009 cldisme visited it 04/07/2009 gladtobehere visited it 06/27/2008 tigwash visited it

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