The Old State Capitol building in Springfield served as the center of government and Illinois political life from 1839-1836 and featured prominently in the lives of President Lincoln and Senator Stephen A. Douglas. It is here where Lincoln delivered his famous "House Divided" speech, pleaded cases before the Illinois Supreme Court (while a lawyer) 1840-1860 and announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.
He used the governors rooms as headquarters during his 1860 presidential campaign. It was also the scene of his final laying-in-state on May 3-4, 1865 and from where his body was removed for burial.
The building soon was inadequate for government of the state and it was decided to build a new, larger one which was opened in 1876. From 1876, the Old State Capitol served as the county courthouse of Sangamon County and over the years was extensively restructured.
--CootDivided
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