Old
State Capitol
State Historic Site
Downtown Mall
Springfield, Illinois
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The Old State Capitol was the fifth Statehouse in Illinois history.
The building served as Capitol from 1839 to 1876. Its cornerstone was
laid during ceremonies held July 4, 1837.
During the 1840s and 1850s the building dominated Springfield's square
and became a center of public life. Benefit dinners and other civic
affairs took place in its rooms. The Legislative chambers were the scene
of frequent political meetings. Abraham Lincoln frequented the building from 1839 until he departed
in 1861 to assume the Presidency. As a lawyer, he often practiced before
the Illinois Supreme Court. Lincoln delivered several important speeches,
including the 1858 "House Divided" address, in Representatives'
Hall. The Governor's room served as his informal headquarters during
the 1960 Presidential campaign. In 1865 citizens paid their last respects
to the assassinated President in Representatives' Hall before burial
at Oak Ridge Cemetery. |
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