Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois, holds a rich history intertwined with the life of Abraham Lincoln. Constructed between 1837 and 1840, the building served as the seat of Illinois government until 1876. The neoclassical style building was designed by Architect John F. Rague.

Pivotal moments in Illinois and American history have taken place at the Old State Capitol. Abraham Lincoln, who practiced law in Springfield, served as a state legislator and later famously delivered his “House Divided” speech in the Capitol’s Representatives Hall in 1858 during his Senate campaign against Stephen A. Douglas. The building also witnessed the debates and decisions that shaped Illinois’ stance on slavery before the Civil War.

After its tenure as the state capitol ended in 1876, the building underwent various uses. The structure served as a county courthouse and a public library. However, due to its historical significance, efforts were made to preserve and restore the Old State Capitol.

In 1961, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark. Abraham Lincoln announced his candidacy at the site in 1858 and Barack Obama followed in 2007.

In the late 1960s, the structure was dismantled and then reconstructed on the site.  “History Reborn“, commissioned by The Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance and produced by Storytellers Studio, tells the amazing reconstruction story.

Today, the Old State Capitol stands as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past through exhibits, guided tours, and reenactments. It remains a symbol of Illinois’ contributions to American democracy and a testament to the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln.