In 1809 the Illinois Territory was formed with Kaskaskia as the capital. In 1818 it became the 21st state of the Union. The capital remained at Kaskaskia, then moved to Vandalia later. A young legislator, Abe Lincoln, contributed significantly in having the capital move to Springfield. The construction of the current Capitol Building dates back to 1868; the General Assembly began using it in 1876. It was 1888 before it was actually completed.
Abraham Lincoln was born in 1809 and moved to Springfield, Il when he was a young man. He became a lawyer, a state legislator and U.S. Congressman. In 1860 he was elected President of the United States and was in this office through the Civil War. He was assassinated in 1865. He is buried in Springfield. This statue is at the entrance of the Capitol.
The Supreme Court is the highest tribunal in Illinois. It has seven judges, three of which are elected by Cook County (basically, Chicago). This court has administrative authority over all courts of Illinois. The Chief Justice with the assistance of an appointed staff exercise this authority.
The Bicentennial Liberty Bell Replica presented to the State by the U.S. Government was not seen. Another replica was found in front of the Capitol.
Everett Dirksen was born in 1896 and became a lawyer at the age of 40. He was elected to the U.S. Congress and then the U.S. Senate. He was serving as U.S. Senator at the time of his death in 1969.
Memorial inscription reads:
This sculpture is dedicated to the memory of the thousands of Illinois workers killed and injured on the job.
It was paid for by contributions from Illinois Union women and men. Dedicated April 28, 1992.
By Lane Kirkland, President
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations.
The Illinois State Museum promotes discovery, learning, and an appreciation of Illinois' natural, cultural, and artistic heritage. The museum's extensive collections and research activities provide the foundation for exhibitions and public programs that tell the story of the land.
Dedicated to the Firefighters of Illinois who have given their lives in the line of duty and to those who periodically serve with courage, pride and honor.
Inscription for this memorial:
Daily, Law Enforcement Officers confront those who would work to destroy this country by undermining its rule of law. Yet, officers face each challenge freely and unselfishly, just as they swore to do when they took the oath of office.
Sadly, however, many of our police officers have paid the ultimate price in the performance of their duties. They gave their lives, sacrificing themselves for the good of others, and for the most part, they died as unsung heroes.
Sacrifices should never go unrecognized by the citizens whom they died to protect. And, inspired by President Lincoln in his Gettysburg address, we must "... resolve that the dead shall not have died in vain ..."
This memorial is dedicated to and honors law enforcement officers in Illinois who died in the line of duty, and those who carry on in protecting the values and freedom that Americans cherish.
Plaque reads: Cherry Tree Grove - A living memorial to George Washington - Father of our country
commemorating his 250th Birthday Anniversary.
Given by
Illinois State Organization
Daughters of the American Revolution
Mrs. Albert Triebel Jr., State Regent
The Seventh of May, 1982
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 1876, 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.
(Above taken from plaque near the Old State Capitol.)
The new Capitol Dome can be seen in the background.
