ملف:Old State Capitol (7352260622).jpg

The Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, a national landmark (1839). It was the fifth state capitol in Illinois, but the first in Springfield. It was built in response to public pressure to build a capitol in a new city; the previous capitol was in Vandalia. Vandalia and Springfield actually built competing courthouses. Vandalia's courthouse was completed in 1836, but only served the needs of the state for a few months. In 1837, a bill was passed to move government operations to Springfield. Abraham Lincoln was one of the nine lawmakers who advocated for the move to Springfield. Lincoln served his final term as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives. In June 1858, Lincoln accepted the Republican Party nomination for president here with his famous "House Divided" speech. After the construction of the sixth (current) capitol, the Old Capitol served as the Sangamon County courthouse from 1876 to 1966. In 2007, Barack Obama announced his candidacy for president here.