Everything You Need to Know for an Amazing Visit to Abraham Lincoln’s Old State Capitol
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You can’t visit Springfield, Illinois without visiting Abraham Lincoln’s Old State Capitol. It was here that Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech and where he would later lie in state after his assassination. Keep reading to see why this is a place full of history that is worthy of a stop in Springfield.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit?
The cost to enter the Old State Capitol is FREE. There are donations boxes inside the building so you can continue to support this historic site.
How long will I be here?
We spent about 30 minutes as a family walking through the building. If you take a guided tour, I would anticipate it being closer to 45 minutes-1 hour, as the guides really seemed to know their stuff.
Where is the Old State Capitol located?
It is located in downtown Springfield, Ohio. You can enter the building from Washington Street on the north, or you can enter it on Adams Street from the South. A fence goes around the building, and there is a beautiful grounds to stroll through, enjoy a picnic, or relax on a bench. Our family entered from the south and imagined that those may have been the very doors that Abraham Lincoln entered each time he came into the building.
What Will I Find Inside?
You will find items that resemble those that may have been in the statehouse from 1840-1876. A guide explained to us that not all items in the building are original to it. However, be sure to read the signs next to each item because you’ll find a few that could be original to the building. You will be free to explore the entire building with a guide or by yourself. You are free to take pictures and videos. Like most museums, you just aren’t allowed to touch anything.
If you’re interested in learning more about how the Old State Capitol plays into Illinois’ history, check out this informational video.
What Does the Inside of the Old State Capitol Look Like?
It’s a beautiful building that is designed in Greek Revival Style. When you enter from the south, you’ll be greeted with this gorgeous staircase that leads you up to the second level.
As you first enter the building, you will be greeted by a guide. You have the option of having a guide lead you around or taking a self guided tour. We opted for the self guided tour. You’re free to roam around the building and spend as much time in each room as you like. So take full advantage of it.
The Library Room
You’ll see rooms such as the library room. This is where Abraham Lincoln would have worked late into the evenings to finish speeches.
The Old Supreme Court Room
The old Supreme Court Room is also located inside this building, and it played an incredibly important part in Abraham Lincoln’s life. It was here that he tried more than 200 cases between 1843-1860.
Auditor’s Office
Abraham Lincoln would have collected his paycheck from the Auditor’s Office. Can’t you just imagine him walking in here to pick it up?
Old Illinois Senate Chamber
Abraham Lincoln did not serve in the Illinois Senate, but he would have been familiar with this room and the people in it.
Representative Hall
You will also find Representative Hall. This is where Abraham Lincoln lay in State after his assassination. Everything was removed from this room except for the original portrait of George Washington that was painted in Washington in 1839. This room gave me chills. I could just picture the crowds of people lined up to pay their final respects to Lincoln.
Other Relics
You’ll also see other relics as you tour the Old State Capitol. From old swords to Civil War flags, be sure to take it nice and slow so you don’t miss any of these fantastic pieces of history.
Other Abraham Lincoln Stops
Springfield is known for its close connection with Lincoln. If you’re looking to get a more intimate look at his life, be sure to check out his home. You can read all about that visit here. There is also the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln’s Law Office (located at the Visitor’s Center) Lincoln Depot, Lincoln Family Church Pew, and the Lincoln Ledger.
So what are you waiting for? Which Lincoln stop is your must see?
Get out there and make history come alive!
Cheers!
Cheers!