As a modern recreation of the building that held heated political debates between Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, the Old State Capitol is a Greek revival-style construction that was erected in the 1960s. The original building that Old State Capitol is modeled after, the Fifth Illinois’ Statehouse, was visited by Lincoln often, both as a lawyer as well as a politician, and was the location for his famous speech in 1858, “House Divided.” The Fifth Statehouse was also the location where Lincoln’s campaign headquarters were located for the 1860 presidential campaign. Guests visiting the Old State Capital can follow a 30-minute interpreter-guided tour or view the rooms at their own leisure.

IDNR-One Natural Resources Way Springfield, IL 62702-1271, Phone: 217-782-4836

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