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Shedd Aquarium

Old State Capitol

1 Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, IL 62701

Historic Sites

Within these walls a great man rose to prominence to become the 16th president of the United States. It was here Lincoln spoke the immortal words, “A house divided against itself cannot stand…” as the threat of a Civil War loomed.

The Old State Capitol is a reconstruction of Illinois' fifth statehouse, the first to be located in Springfield. It is here that Lincoln practiced law, served as a legislator and gave his famed House Divided speech on slavery in 1858. The building served as the seat of state government and a center of Illinois political life from 1839-1876. The current State Capitol Building is the center of state government, where visitors can watch Illinois politics in action when the legislature is in session.

(The Old State Capitol is currently closed for rennovations)

What's happening nearby...

The Questioneers at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Musuem •  Feb 16 – May 05 @ 9AM

Read. Question. Think. Play. The Questioneers exhibit comes to the Illinois Gallery at the ALPLM.

Read more about The Questioneers at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

A Thousand Horses at Boondocks

Boondocks •  Apr 27 @ 7PM

A Thousand Horses brings their The Highway Sound Tour to Boondocks on April 27th.

Read more about A Thousand Horses at Boondocks

Bluey's Big Play at UIS Performing Arts Center

UIS Performing Arts Center •  Apr 30 – May 01 @ 6PM

Bluey and the Heelers take the stage at UIS Performing Arts Center April 30 and May 1.

Read more about Bluey's Big Play at UIS Performing Arts Center

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