Vandalia State House State Historic Site

The Vandalia State House is a two-story brick building with painted surfaces and prominent covered porches on its north and south sides. The structure contains the legislative chambers along with offices and supporting rooms that served the state government of Illinois during the 1830s.

The building functioned as Illinois' fourth state capitol from 1836 to 1839 before the government moved to Springfield. This brief period marked an important transition in the state's political leadership and the search for a permanent home.

The Senate and House chambers display original furnishings that show how state lawmakers conducted their business in the early 1800s. These rooms give visitors a real sense of how representatives used the space to debate and make decisions for Illinois.

Visitors can explore the building's historical rooms through guided tours or self-guided walks, with informational signs posted throughout. Daytime hours provide the best lighting to view the period furnishings and architectural details clearly.

A young lawyer named Abraham Lincoln worked here as a state representative, earning just a few dollars daily for his legislative duties. His time in this building was an early stepping stone in his path to political influence and eventually the presidency.