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Designed by local
architect, J. F. Rague, the Old State Capitol was built
of local stone from 1837 to 1853 for $260,000. With its
majestic classical columns and exterior details, this
Greek Revival-style building has abundant Lincoln
associations. In addition, to attending legislative
sessions in the building, Lincoln sometimes argued cases
before the Supreme Court, which also met in the
Capitol. It was also in this building that Lincoln
first confronted Stephen A. Douglas, his rival for the
Presidency in 1860. Lincoln made his “House Divided”
speech here, maintained an office after election to the
Presidency, and his body rested here on May 3-4, 1865,
before burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery. In 1869, the Old
State Capitol was sold to Sangamon County and served as
the County Court House for nearly a century. In 1961,
the State repurchased the building and restored it to
its original appearance. The building was dismantled in
1966 and rebuilt with a modern physical plant and staff
facilities. Currently, the building is a museum but was
used by the House of Representatives for Fall Veto
Session of 2006 due to remodeling in the current
Illinois State Capitol Building.
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