As the state of Illinois grew so did the need for a larger Capitol building. In 1877, the
New State Capitol became the new home for our state's government. While the currant Senate meets here, it is the building itself that will leave an impression on you.
Starting with the dome, it's foundation is 92.5 feet in diameter and it's 17 feet thick limestone walls are based on solid rock 25.5 feet below the grade line. The walls are 9 feet thick up to the first floor and a flag height of 405 feet. I just wish I could have gotten a better photo, this one does not do justice to this stunning piece of art.
Some fun facts about the State Capitol:
- The first Governor to work in the new capitol was Shelby Cullom
- Each doorknob in the building are imprinted with the state seal
- There are 110 steps from the first floor to the fourth gallery
- The New Capitol Building is the sixth Capitol the state has occupied
The New State Capitol is open for guided tours, which are free
Weekdays 8am-4pm, tours every 30 minutes
Weekends 9am-3pm, tours every hour
I have to share my experience at the New State Capitol, my daughter and I made this stop and when we walked in the final tour for the day had already started so we told the guards that we would just take a quick photo of the dome and be on our way. I think we must have looked a little suspicious because as we were leaving one of the guards asked what we would be doing with the photo, so I told her about our plans to share Springfield with the readers. When I did she instantly got up and said that we could not leave without seeing something. We started walking toward the elevator and honestly, I do not even know what floor we got off on but she took out her keys and showed me this room.
According to the guard, this room is not opened to the public so I am very excited to be able to show you this photo and to tell you the story. Several years ago in the middle of a major construction something either fell through the upper floor or broke though a wall revealing this already furnished chamber and with just a few minor touch ups (and what they call minor I am sure was a large project) the room was put back into use and is now considered the hidden treasure of the New Capitol.
As we walked out she reminded me that the New Capitol was used in Legally Blonde 2, in the scene where Reese Witherspoon was on Capitol Hill in DC.
The New State Capitol is a building worth making time to visit. I wish I would have made the guided tour, and plan to later this summer, but talking to the guard and being shown a private room was more than I could have ever asked for.
For information on this and other attractions in the Springfield area you can visit the
Visitors Bureau and request a free copy of the 2012 guide as well as learn about the History Comes Alive program which begins in early June.
Thank you to the Springfield Visitors Center for working with us on these features, opinions are honest.
Don't miss the freebies, coupons, and deals,
Subscribe Now!
.jpg)
