Old State Capitol

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.