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Old State Capitol State Historic Site

Architect
John F. Rague
Year
1837
Style
Greek Revival
City
Springfield, IL
Old State Capitol State Historic Site
Photo: Shadow2700 at en.wikipedia, Public domain
See it on the map

The Old State Capitol State Historic Site is the former Illinois statehouse, built in Greek Revival style in 1837-1840 when Springfield became the capital, and designed by John F. Rague. It served as the seat of state government from 1840 to 1876, when the current, larger capitol replaced it. Abraham Lincoln announced his U.S. Senate candidacy here in 1858 with his 'House Divided' speech, and Barack Obama announced his presidential candidacy on the same steps in 2007. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, primarily for its association with Lincoln and his rival Stephen Douglas.

the building

A capitol built for a new capital. Springfield only became Illinois's capital in 1837, after lawmakers including a young Whig lawyer named Abraham Lincoln pushed to move the seat of government north from Vandalia toward the state's geographic center. This building, raised in Greek Revival style over 1837-1840, was the result — the state house that anchored the new capital and served through 1876.

Lincoln and Obama's announcements. The building's steps hosted two presidential-track announcements decades apart: Lincoln's 1858 candidacy for U.S. Senate, delivered as his 'House Divided' speech against Stephen Douglas, and Barack Obama's 2007 announcement of his run for president.

the style

The building is a textbook example of Greek Revival architecture, the classical idiom favored for American civic buildings in the early-to-mid 19th century, fitting for a young state house asserting itself as a seat of government.

More on Greek Revival

the architect

John F. Rague designed the building. The record here centers on the commission itself rather than a broader account of his career.

significance

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, primarily for its association with Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. It is one of only two preserved former Illinois capitol buildings, the other standing in Vandalia.

nearby

All 26 buildings in Springfield