Illinois Old State Capitol - Representative Hall
by Susan Rissi Tregoning
Title
Illinois Old State Capitol - Representative Hall
Artist
Susan Rissi Tregoning
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The interior of Representative Hall at the Old State Capitol building in Springfield, Illinois, is the room where Abraham Lincoln's presence is most strongly felt—having served four terms here in the Illinois House of Representatives.
On May 3-4, 1865, Abraham Lincoln lay in state in Representative Hall. The room was emptied of every piece of furniture except for George Washington's portrait. An elaborate catafalque was brought in, and Abraham Lincoln's remains were placed upon it. It seemed appropriate that Washington's portrait remained, considering it had loomed over Lincoln for twenty years of his life. This room is where he worked as a legislator, spoke against slavery, failed in two attempts for his bid for US Senator, and celebrated his election to the Presidency with friends. They estimate that 75 thousand people paid their last respects in less than 24 hours. His coffin was closed at 10am in preparation for his final destination, Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Illinois Old State Capitol is the fifth capitol building for the state and the first to be located in Springfield. Constructed started on the Greek Revival style building in 1837 and was completed in 1840. It served as the state house until 1876, when Illinois outgrew the building and needed a larger space. It was then used as the Sangamon County Courthouse until 1966.
In 1961, the building was designated a National Historic Landmark primarily for its Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas history.
Copyright 2022 Susan Rissi Tregoning
Uploaded
August 13th, 2022
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