Take in the sights and sounds of the seat of Illinois government

Illinois State Capitol

Construction began on the sixth and current Illinois Capitol in 1868 after officials determined that more space was needed for government business. The building took 20 years to complete and cost $4.5 million. The first legislative session in the new Capitol was held in 1877, but the structure wasn’t finished for another decade. Designed in the shape of a Latin cross and capped by a 361foot-high dome, the building stands 74 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol. In addition to watching Illinois politicians from the balcony-level seating area, visitors can view the awe-in spiring artwork, statues and paintings of the limestone Italian Renaissance Revival building. Murals, a variety of marbles and a unique architectural design add to the elegance and grace of Illinois’ center of government.

Illinois State Capitol, Capitol Avenue and Second Street, 217-782- 2099. Entrance is restricted to the north and west doors. All briefcases and backpacks are subject to search. Open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.- Fri. and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Closed all major holidays. Free tours are given every half-hour, except on weekends, when they are conducted on the hour. No tours are conducted between noon and 1 p.m. Special events are held throughout the year. For more information, call 217-782- 8996. Tour groups comprising more than 15 visitors should call Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau in advance: 217-789-2360.

Illinois Executive Mansion

Illinois governors reside in a Georgian-style home at Fifth and Jackson streets. It has served as the official residence of Illinois governors and their families since 1855, making it the third-oldest continuously occupied executive mansion in the nation. The interior is largely in the Greek Revival style. Monte Holl of Decatur designed and built the library, which is paneled in solid American black walnut. The Lincoln Bedroom is one of two Victorian rooms in the mansion. Its bed and dresser were given to President Abraham Lincoln as a gift by Springfield friends before he traveled to Washington, D.C. The furniture was placed in storage, awaiting Lincoln’s return after his presidency.

More than 30,000 people visit the governor’s home each year to view its gardens, antiques and artwork. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Seven U.S. presidents, including Lincoln, a practicing