Guided Tour
State Historic Site Tour
Free tours of the restored Old State Capitol covering Lincoln's legislative career, the 'House Divided' speech, and Illinois political history from 1837 to 1876.
- Duration:
- 45 min
Museum / Historical Site
Old State Capitol State Historic Site
Illinois's pre-1876 seat of government where Lincoln gave his 'House Divided' speech — now a restored museum that Springfield ghost tours claim is still visited by Lincoln himself.
1 Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, IL 62701
Wheelchair Accessible
Research-Backed · 3 sources
Research updated June 2026
Age
All Ages
Cost
Free
Free admission; some special programs may have fees
Access
Wheelchair OK
Downtown plaza site; building has accessible entrance; interior largely accessible
Equipment
Photos OK
Est. 1837 · Illinois seat of government 1837–1876 · Abraham Lincoln legislative career · Site of 'House Divided' speech, June 16, 1858 · Complete stone-by-stone reconstruction 1966–1969 · Illinois State Historic Site
The Old State Capitol in Springfield is the fourth Illinois statehouse — the predecessor to the current 1876 capitol building two blocks north. The original structure was completed in 1837 and served as the center of Illinois state government for nearly four decades. Abraham Lincoln served in the Illinois legislature here beginning in 1837, and in this chamber he argued cases as a lawyer, debated political opponents, and built the political reputation that would carry him to the presidency.
On June 16, 1858, Lincoln delivered what became known as the 'House Divided' speech in this chamber, accepting the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate with the declaration: 'A house divided against itself cannot stand.' The speech defined Lincoln's national political identity and is considered one of the most significant addresses in American political history.
After the state government moved to the current capitol in 1876, the old building passed through various private uses including a county courthouse. By the mid-20th century it was in poor condition. Between 1966 and 1969, the Illinois Department of Conservation undertook a remarkable restoration: the building was disassembled stone by stone and rebuilt on its original footprint, with interior spaces restored to their 1858 appearance. The restoration is one of the most thorough historic reconstructions in the Midwest.
The site is operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and receives free admission year-round.
Sources
- https://www.illinoishistory.gov/old-state-capitol
- https://paranormaltraveler.com/1390/old-state-capitol-in-springfield-a-haunted-historical-landmark/
- https://www.springfieldwalkstours.com/lincolns-ghost-walk/
Apparition of tall figure in period dressPhantom cigar smoke in the legislative chamberUnexplained cold spotsShadowy figure on sidewalk
The Old State Capitol sits at the center of Springfield's Lincoln ghost tour circuit. The most commonly reported phenomenon is an apparition of Lincoln himself — described as a tall figure in period dress observed on the sidewalk and plaza in front of the building, particularly in the evening hours. The Paranormal Traveler has documented multiple witness accounts of these sightings, which predate the current Springfield ghost tour industry.
Inside the building, tour guides and staff have described detecting the smell of cigar smoke in the restored legislative chamber when no one is smoking — a detail with a specific historical anchor, as Lincoln was a known cigar smoker who spent years in this building. The smell appears without any visible source and dissipates quickly.
Springfield Walks Tours includes the Old State Capitol as a featured stop on its Lincoln's Ghost Walk specifically because of these accounts. The ghost tours trace Lincoln's final visits to the capitol complex before his departure for Washington in 1861 and frame the reported phenomena as a psychic imprint from a figure who invested enormous emotional weight in this building.
It is worth noting that the current building is a 1966–1969 reconstruction — the original stones were reused but the structure is not the same physical fabric Lincoln occupied. Paranormal researchers differ on whether this affects the claimed activity.
Notable Entities
Abraham Lincoln
Plan Your Visit
2 ways to experience Guided Tour
Lincoln's Ghost Walk (Evening Ghost Tour)
Springfield Walks ghost tours include the Old State Capitol as a featured stop, with accounts of Lincoln apparition sightings on the adjoining sidewalk and phantom cigar smoke inside the building.
- Duration:
- 1.5 hr
Sources & Further Reading
Every HauntBound history is researched from documented sources. We clearly separate verified historical fact from paranormal folklore.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old State Capitol State Historic Site family-friendly?
State historic site; free admission; suitable for all ages. Evening ghost tour suitable for older children. Overall family fit: High.
How much does it cost to visit Old State Capitol State Historic Site?
Free admission; some special programs may have fees This location is free to visit.
Do I need to book in advance?
No advance booking is required, but checking availability is recommended.
Is Old State Capitol State Historic Site wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Old State Capitol State Historic Site is wheelchair accessible. Terrain: Downtown plaza site; building has accessible entrance; interior largely accessible.