The building was constructed using stone quarried from near Alton, Illinois, and transported via the Mississippi and Illinois rivers.
During the Civil War, the state government considered moving the capital to Peoria due to concerns about Confederate raids, leading to security reinforcements at this building.
The 1960s reconstruction involved dismantling the entire upper portion of the original building to clear out layers of 20th-century office partitions added when the site served as a county courthouse.
The original dome was designed to be much taller, but weight concerns during the 1840s construction led to a modified, lower profile design.
Stephen A. Douglas, Lincoln's famous political rival, also practiced law in the Supreme Court chamber located inside.
The site contains a rare collection of 19th-century legislative furniture recreated using historic wood-working techniques.
The basement level, which was originally used for storage, was repurposed during the reconstruction to house mechanical systems and educational facilities.
The Old State Capitol served as the Illinois seat of government from 1840 to 1876, representing the fifth capitol building in state history. This Greek Revival structure is a complete reconstruction completed in the 1960s after the original building was repurposed and then restored to its 1850s appearance. Abraham Lincoln maintained a law office in Springfield and frequently argued cases before the Illinois Supreme Court within these chambers. The building hosted Lincoln's 'House Divided' speech in 1858 and served as the site for his body to lie in state following his 1865 assassination. The interior features restored legislative chambers, a library, and a Supreme Court room reflecting mid-19th-century decor. It operates as a state historic site managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The facility is situated in the heart of downtown Springfield, functioning as an anchor for the city's extensive Lincoln-related historical corridor. Visitors access the site via guided tours that detail the political evolution of Illinois during the pre-Civil War era.
The view from the center of the plaza looking up at the portico and dome, which captures the symmetry of the Greek Revival architecture.
Check the official state historic site calendar before arrival as the building sometimes closes for special government functions.
Allow extra time to walk the surrounding downtown square, as the Capitol is surrounded by other historical markers related to the Lincoln era.
Inquire about specific thematic tours, as the guides often rotate between legal history and architectural restoration topics.
Do not attempt to park directly on the plaza itself, as it is a pedestrian-only zone restricted to foot traffic.
Closed on certain state and federal holidays; typically closed on Sunday and Monday.
Maintain a quiet demeanor inside the historic chambers; photography is permitted without flash.
