Photo: Wikimedia Commons — see author and license on the file page.

Old State Capitol State Historic Site

Museum
In Springfield, Illinois
0.2 mi from Route 66
National Register of Historic Places

The Old State Capitol in Springfield, IL, now a state historic site, is the Greek Revival statehouse that served Illinois from 1840 to 1876. Abraham Lincoln announced a candidacy here in 1858, and Barack Obama did the same in 2007. Now a museum and a National Historic Landmark, it anchors downtown Springfield, about 0.7 mile off the old road, with restrooms on site.

What is Old State Capitol State Historic Site?

This Greek Revival building was designed by architect John F. Rague and built between 1837 and 1840, the years when Springfield took over as capital. It is one of only two former Illinois capitols still preserved; the other stands in Vandalia. Today it operates as a museum and historic site. Beyond its National Historic Landmark status, it is also listed in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

History of Old State Capitol State Historic Site

The building housed state government for 36 years, until the current capitol replaced it in 1876. Its political story is what made it famous. Lincoln's 1858 announcement took place here, and in 1961 the building was named a National Historic Landmark, largely because of its ties to Lincoln and his rival Stephen Douglas. Nearly 150 years after Lincoln, Barack Obama chose the same spot to announce his own run in 2007.

Visiting Old State Capitol State Historic Site: tips

Allow about an hour to see the building. Restrooms are on site, parking is available, and the site is listed as wheelchair accessible and good for kids. Check the state historic site page for current visiting days. The Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site and the Central Springfield Historic District are each about 0.1 mile away, so a short walk links the capitol with the law office where Lincoln worked. Since it sits in the middle of the downtown district, it makes a natural first stop: see the capitol, then fan out on foot to the law office and the brick storefronts around it.

Practical info

Address: 1 North Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: +1 217-785-7960
Website: dnrhistoric.illinois.gov/experience/sites/central/old-capitol.html
Hours: Tue–Sat 9–5
On site & nearby

Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix

Where to eat near Old State Capitol State Historic Site

All diners →

Diner & restaurant
Charlie Parker's Diner
Springfield, IL · 2.6 mi from Old State Capitol State Historic Site
A Springfield diner dating from 1992, handy for a meal while exploring the Illinois capital on Route 66.
Diner & restaurant
Cozy Dog Drive In
Springfield, IL · 2.7 mi from Old State Capitol State Historic Site
A Springfield drive-in known for its cornmeal-battered Cozy Dogs, Route 66 memorabilia and guest book.

On the map

Full map

Old State Capitol State Historic Site with the 6 closest stops and places to eat (fork and knife). Tap a marker for details.

Tap a dot to see that stop here.

Stops near Old State Capitol State Historic Site

All of Illinois