Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site

I came here looking for the Madonna of the Trail. I’ve photographed 2 of the 12 and I’ve seen another one, but I wanted to photograph this one since I was relatively close after going to my cousin’s calling in Western Indiana. (Compared to 230 miles another 80 miles wasn’t that much.)
The state house seems to have been preserved well. It’s not nearly as pretty as the Pennsylvania state house in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed but so what? It should be important to people from Illinois.
As far as the Madonna of the Trail, it’s on the corner of the block, hardly a regal place but it’s there for all to see. It, like the one in Springfield, Ohio, has a tan – unlike those in Wheeling, West Virginia and Richmond, Indiana which are gray.
I’m glad that the statue was still on the National Road since the Springfield, OH statue has been moved away from its original location.
I didn’t see any notice of openings for the building, tours and such, but all people who live in the state should see the state house at least once. Your state’s heritage should be a big deal.

If you’re a history buff — especially a Lincoln enthusiast — there’s no reason to miss this site while you’re in the area. It doesn’t take a whole lot of time, and you get to check out the town’s downtown area. If you’re from «the big city», you’ll be charmed at the quaint little backwater shops and buildings. If you grew up in a small town, you’ll feel at home. Of course, if you grew up in a suburb, you’ll probably just be wondering where you can find a TGI Friday’s (hint: not here).
I grew up in Vandalia, so I’ve spent quite a lot of time at the statehouse over the years — for tours, for local festivals (check the Grand Levee dates if you’re in the area during June), and even square dancing.
Anyway…the tour will teach you more about Lincoln’s early days, the legend of how he may have jumped out of a window to prevent a vote from taking place, and the steps he and a group of similarly tall men (no, really) took to get the capital moved to Springfield, where it remains today.
They might also mention that Bill Clinton came to speak here on the steps of the old statehouse during his first presidential campaign. Yes, it was roughly 20 years ago… but come on, this is a small town. Stuff like that doesn’t happen very often.
If the museum next door (behind the statehouse) is still there and open, you should follow up your statehouse visit with a trip there, too.

I have lived in Vandalia all of my life and to be quite honest I never appreciated it as much as it deserved.
Vandalia is the home of the oldest standing capital building in Illinois. Vandalia served as the states capital from 1819 – 1839. And yes, Abraham Lincoln made many trips to Vandalia as a young attorney. Some would say unfortunately, but I would say luckily in 1838, Abraham Lincoln led a junta called «Long Nine» that was successful in getting the state capital moved to Springfield the next year. (I like my small town.) The building was restored in the 1930’s with rooms furnished as they were in its prime. Lincoln gave his first protest against slavery in this building. My favorite part is the huge staircase to the second floor.
The State House is operational year round open from 9a-​5p everyday including Sunday. Buses and large groups are welcome. Groups over 25 persons should call ahead for reservations. (618÷283−1161) Tours are free by a knowledgeable and pleasant staff.
The Grand Levee is held on the capital grounds on the third weekend in June annually.
I do wish that our downtown reflected the history of our town more. I believe that the city is working to accomplish that. It is still a great stop for a bit of history and a whisper of Lincoln’s ghost. Ask your tour guide for directions to Fayette County Museum & the State Cemetery. And don’t forget to check out the Madonna of the Trail statue on the corner of the grounds. She is one big lady with a shotgun. She was erected in 1928 by the Daughters of the American Revolution in memory of the pioneer mothers who arrived in covered wagons following the famous Cumberland Road. The Cumberland Road was the first highway built by the federal government. It began in Cumberland, Maryland and ended in Vandalia.
The building is actually located right off HWY 51 and easily accessed from I-​70 at exit 63.

so heading down to route 66 you pass through vandalia, illinois. history nerds will know that vandalia was once the capital of illinois. you didn’t? and you’re a history nerd? well, history nerd. words fail me.
downtown vandalia… is like stepping into back to the future. the old state house is the focal point of downtown. there’s a lincoln park right by it, and great random sights like «joe’s never inn» (that’s what his wife probably said) and an old time movie house called the liberty.
americana.
i half expected harold hill to come around the corner and try to convince me to get with the band.