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In 1837 legislators voted to relocate the government to Springfield, and the last session met at Vandalia two years later. Restored in the 1930s, the Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site is managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. The building has been renovated, with many of the rooms and legislative chambers restored to their original appearance. It was in these rooms that Lincoln received his license to practice law and where he made his first protest against slavery. Here too, Chicago received its charter to incorporate as a city in 1837.
The Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site is open Tuesday thru Saturday. Hours of operation are seasonal. Please call ahead for hours. The Statehouse is closed New Year's, Thanksgiving, and Christmas days. Groups of 25 or more should have a reservation. The Statehouse is also handicap-accessible on the first floor. The Vandalia Statehouse is home to two popular special events. The Grande Levée, held each June during Father's Day weekend, recalls the social life that was part of Vandalia during its days as capital. The event includes period music, craft demonstrations, and a candlelight tour of the Statehouse. A candlelight tour is also part of the holiday celebration held each December.
For further information or to make reservations call:
(618) 283-1161.
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