In the Shadow of the Old State Capital Where Lincoln Once Called
Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Old State Capitol
By Angie Shaffer, January 19, 2008
1. Old State Capitol Marker
Old State Capitol. . 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. Cultural programs often accompanied Legislative sessions, which attracted citizens from throughout Illinois to the Capitol City., 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 1860 Presidential Campaign. In 1865 citizens paid their last respects to the assassinated President in Representatives' Hall before burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery., In 1875, a new Statehouse replaced the Old State Capitol which became the Sangamon County Courthouse. Legislation passed in 1961 led to the State's purchase and reconstruction of the building to its Lincoln-era appearance. The three-year project was completed in 1969.
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. Cultural programs often accompanied Legislative sessions, which attracted citizens from throughout Illinois to the Capitol City.
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 1860 Presidential Campaign. In 1865 citizens paid their last respects to the assassinated President in Representatives' Hall before burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
In 1875, a new Statehouse replaced the Old State Capitol which became the Sangamon County Courthouse. Legislation passed in 1961 led to the State's purchase and reconstruction of the building to its Lincoln-era appearance. The three-year project was completed in 1969.
By Angie Shaffer, January 19, 2008
2. Marker inside fence of Old State Capitol
this page online
Erected 1991 by The Illinois State Historical Society and the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Illinois State Historical Society series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1814.
Location. 39° 48.043′ N, 89° 38.889′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. Marker is at the intersection of South Sixth Street and East Adams Street, on the left when traveling north on South Sixth Street. The Old State Capitol is surrounded on 3 sides by one-way streets; the 4th "street", East Adams, is closed off to traffic and is considered the Old State Capitol Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Springfield IL 62701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Lincoln Boys in 1854 (a few steps from this marker); Streetscape 1859 (a few steps from this marker); Cook's Hall (a few steps from this marker); Corneau & Diller Drug Store (a few steps from this marker); Lincoln's Springfield (a few steps from this marker); In Their Springfield Prime (a few steps from this marker); Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices
By Angie Shaffer, January 6, 2008
3. North side of Old State Capitol
More about this marker. The marker is located inside the fence surrounding the Old State Capitol on the southeast side of the lot.
Regarding Old State Capitol. In February 2007, Senator Barack Obama announced his candidacy for the 2008 U.S. presidential election. Describing his working life in Illinois, and symbolically linking his presidential campaign to Abraham Lincoln's 1858 House Divided speech, Obama said: "That is why, in the shadow of the Old State Capitol, where Lincoln once called on a house divided to stand together, where common hopes and common dreams still live, I stand before you today to announce my candidacy for President of the United States of America."
Also see . . . Video Tour of State Capital. The entire Illinois State Government was run out of this building. Across the street is where Lincoln practiced Law. Tours both locations. (Submitted on June 12, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
By Angie Shaffer, January 19, 2008
4. Stairway up to Senate and House Chambers
Stairs lead to what is known as the 5th floor, one flight up, due to underground exhibits
By Angie Shaffer, January 19, 2008
5. Representatives' Hall
By Al Wolf, October 4, 2008
6. Old Illinois State Capital Building
Credits. This page was last revised on July 27, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2008, by Angie Shaffer of Springfield, Illinois. This page has been viewed 2,572 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 19, 2008, by Angie Shaffer of Springfield, Illinois. 6. submitted on October 10, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
In the Shadow of the Old State Capital Where Lincoln Once Called
Source: https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=4821