Springfield, IL
Capital of Illinois
Overview
Springfield is the capital city of Illinois, located in the Midwest region of the United States. Founded in 1821, the city has grown to a population of approximately 114,394 residents within a state of 12,812,508 people. As the seat of Illinois's state government, Springfield serves as the political and administrative center of the state.
The city is home to the Illinois State Capitol, a French Renaissance Revival structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1888. Designed by Alfred H. Piquenard (design); W. W. Boyington (completion), the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.
Springfield has served as the capital of Illinois since 1839. Before Springfield, the state's capital was located in Kaskaskia and Vandalia.
Illinois State Capitol
The Illinois State Capitol in Springfield is one of the tallest non-skyscraper capitols in the nation, with its silver-painted dome reaching 361 feet -- taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The interior features an ornate rotunda, elaborate frescoes, and stained glass. Built over nearly 20 years, the building is a testament to Illinois' prominence in American history.
U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Notable Features
- Dome height of 361 feet, taller than the U.S. Capitol dome
- Silver-painted zinc dome visible for miles
- Elaborate interior frescoes and murals
- Stained glass throughout the building
- Ornate rotunda with painted dome ceiling
- Surrounding grounds with Lincoln-related monuments
Media Gallery
Original footage coming soon! User-submitted photos welcome.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- ★The Illinois State Capitol dome stands 361 feet tall, which is 56 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol dome in Washington, D.C.
- ★Springfield is closely associated with Abraham Lincoln, who lived there for 24 years before becoming President.
- ★The current capitol is the sixth to serve Illinois; the first five were located in Kaskaskia and Vandalia before Springfield.
- ★Lincoln's tomb and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum are both located in Springfield.
- ★The building took 20 years to construct, from 1868 to 1888, and cost approximately $4.5 million.
- ★Illinois is known as the 'Land of Lincoln,' and the capitol grounds feature numerous Lincoln-related memorials.
- ★Route 66 passes through Springfield, adding to the city's historical significance.