SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois’ Old State Capitol has re-opened to visitors after interior renovations were completed. Exterior work on the dome of the building continues, but indoor plasterwork and painting are finished.
That allowed the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to open for tours on Thursday. Visitors will see a new feature, an education gallery. Tour hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
The building served as the Illinois state Capitol from 1840 to 1876. Abraham Lincoln served in the state Legislature there and in 1858, as a candidate for the U.S. Senate, delivered his famous “House Divided” speech in the Hall of Representatives.
