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Vandalia, Illinois _________________
Driving Directions
From Quincy, take I-172 south for 15 miles to I-36. Take I-72 east 94 miles to Springfield. Take I-55 south 29 miles to State Road 127. Go south on State Road 127 for 18 miles to State Road 185 and go south for 24 miles to Vandalia. Approximately 180 miles.
Calendar of Events
Visit Vandalia's Main Street site for a current calendar of events.
History
In 1819 Vandalia replaced Kaskaskia and became Illinois’ second capital. Vandalia was not chosen for its booming population, rather for its central location on the Kaskaskia River. The land for Vandalia was donated by Congress. The foundation for Vandalia’s population came from Hanover, Germany. One hundred Hanover residents immigrated to the United States and settled in Vandalia.
The first legislative session started December 4, 1820. The first capitol building was hastily made and destroyed by a fire in 1823. The second capitol building was constructed the summer of 1824 by Vandalia residents who feared the capital might be moved if a building wasn’t in place before the next legislative session began. Again, another poorly constructed capitol building.
By 1836 the third and final Vandalia capitol building was erected. A simple Federal design, this building, larger than the previous buildings, had space for all three branches of state government. Unfortunately, in 1839 Vandalia was replaced by Springfield as Illinois’ state capital.
Abraham Lincoln spent a great deal of time during the 1830's in Vandalia. He served as an Illinois congressman from 1834 to 1838 and was also admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1836 while in Vandalia.
Vandalia offers many opportunities to glimpse into Illinois’ past. It may be a small town, but Vandalia supplies a wealth of history. From the Old Statehouse to Abraham Lincoln to the Cumberland Trail, this town has seen America grow.
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