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Vandalia’s Old Statehouse served as Illinois’ state house for three years. This two-story Federal style building was built in 1836 and housed all three branches of the state government. After the last session of the Illinois General Assembly closed on March 4, 1839, the capital was moved to Springfield and the building was given to Fayette County to serve as the county courthouse until 1933. The State of Illinois purchased the statehouse and the building underwent major renovations during the 1930's and 1940's. Today the site is managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Call (618) 283-1161 for additional information.
The Fayette County Museum has been located in the First Presbyterian Church building since 1979. This Gothic Revival structure was built in 1868 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum offers material from the statehouse building, a schoolroom exhibit, civil war artifacts, and slavery items. There are also artifacts from Germany that Vandalia’s first settlers brought with them. For more information call (618) 283-4866.
Vandalia is home to the Madonna of the Trail Statue, one of twelve statues erected to mark the trail of the Old National Road. The eighteen-foot high statue depicts a pioneer mother who is cradling a baby in her arms while another child clings to her skirt. It was dedicated on October 26, 1928, and marks the end of the Old National Road. The Madonna of the Trail is located on the southwest corner of the Vandalia Statehouse grounds.
Vandalia’s Little Brick House is located at 621 St. Clair Street. This Italianate home was most likely constructed between 1840 and 1860. In 1956 Josephine Burtschi purchased the house and started restoring it to its original appearance. Over the years, the Little Brick House has been renovated and furnished with period pieces, antiques, and Vandalia artifacts. In 1974 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Call (618) 283-0024 to schedule an appointment for viewing Vandalia’s Little Brick House.
In 1806 President Thomas Jefferson approved a plan for the first federal highway in the United States. Starting in Cumberland, Maryland, and ending in Vandalia, Illinois, the National Road or Cumberland Trail would expedite the transfer of goods between the east and west. Construction began in 1811 in Maryland and it took until 1852 to reach Vandalia. The Madonna of the Trail statue commemorates the road and is located on the southwest corner of the Old Statehouse grounds.