Springfield, Illinois July 28

       Friday July 28, 2016   A Tale of Two Capitals:  In Springfield, If you happen to ask for directions to the Capital during you'r next visit, you're likely to be answered with, "Which One?" Illinois became a state in 1818, and Springfield became its capital in 1837. The first statehouse built here is a red-dome topped Greek Revival-style building made of local Sugar Creek limestone. Abraham Lincoln, who served in the state legislature there, tried cases before the Supreme Court in the building and gave his famous "House Divided" speech in the Hall of Representatives. The OLD Capital is located in the center of the cities historic district and is open to the public for tours.

Old Capital

New Capital

       Ground was broken on the current Illinois statehouse in 1868, and the buildings first general assembly was held there in 1877.  The highest elevation in Springfield was chosen for this capital building and to this day, no structure in Springfield is allowed to be taller than its zinc- covered dome. It is a majestic example of French Renaissance style and serves as the center of Illinois politics and government. Visitors to Springfield often enjoy walking from one capital to the next, through historic downtown Springfield. They say if you find the right spot you can snap a picture with both domes in the frame. We drove around and we had a heck of a time finding both capitals and we didn't find the spot , in one picture.  Both of the Capital Buildings are so beautiful and i think it is neat they kept both of them.