Vandalia Statehouse Historic Site

The Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site The Federal-style building that stands today was the third statehouse in Vandalia, built in 1836 in response to a referendum to move the capital from Vandalia to Springfield.  Building a new statehouse wasn’t enough to stop the move.  In 1837, Springfield was chosen as the permanent location for the state capital.  The supporters of other locations immediately lashed out with charges of corruption against Springfield-area legislators, including “Honest Abe” Lincoln, then in his second term as a state representative. In addition to telling the story of Vandalia’s brief history as Illinois’ capital, the tour guide offered a fascinating mixture of historical odd bits, the day-to-day practice of government in a frontier state, Lincoln lore, and nineteenth century political scandal.