In the last week, we have visited the location of Illinois’ first capital, Kaskaskia (although there is no longer a Capitol building there), the site of Illinois’ second capital, Vandalia (where the fourth state Capitol building still stands), and the Old Capitol Building in the current capital city, Springfield. And while we were in Springfield, we also toured the sixth building to serve as the Capitol, the current Illinois State Capitol (which is referred to as the “new” Capitol, even though it was built in 1868). Confused yet?

It’s hard to explain how beautiful and grand this building is. It’s not only the tallest classically designed state Capitol building in the country at 361 feet, it’s also taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.! I guess Illinoisans have a very high opinion of themselves!

There is a very welcoming statue in the center of the building:

The interior details are amazing, and everywhere you look…walls, ceilings, and floor. Turkey commented that this building is about as close as we get to something like Buckingham Palace, and he’s totally right…it has a very regal feel!

We saw both the House and Senate chambers, but as there was a committee meeting in the House chamber, I was only permitted to take photographs in the Senate chamber:

The highlight of the interior of the building is, without a doubt, the dome. Pictures really don’t do it justice, but I’ll try anyway:

Back outside, you really need to walk all the way around the building to admire all of the exterior details:

I have lived in Illinois for most of my life, and this was still my first visit to our state capital. I don’t know what took me so long, but I’m glad I finally had the chance to see Springfield, and tour our amazing Capitol Building!