Exterior Photos of the Illinois Statehouse (original) (raw)

A view from the southeast, prior to construction of the Stratton Building, which was begun in 1955.

This photograph, possibly taken during a visit to Springfield by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1879, shows the 37 granite steps leading to the original main entrance to the building, on what is now the second floor. The banner on the front of the building reads �National Union � State Sovereignty.� Also, notice the three arches located along Second Street. The south arch reads �Lincoln,� the middle arch reads �Welcome to the Capitol of Illinois� and the third reads �Douglas.� Photo courtesy Illinois State Historical Library

There are several interesting details visible in the photo on the left. The east and north porticos have not been constructed at this time and the east steps have yet to be removed. Also seen in the old photo are the round sixth floor windows and an entrance to the basement (now the first floor) under the east steps. Other notable differences are windows which have since been added at the base of the dome, awnings which no longer exist, and the circular windows or vents at the base of the building which have been replaced by rectangular windows. Left photo courtesy Illinois State Historical Library