The wilderness site that developed into Vandalia was the capital of the state from 1819 to 1839. The third capitol building at this site is still standing. It was in Vandalia that Abraham Lincoln received his license to practice law, gained his first experience as a legislator 1834-39 and made his first antislavery speech in 1837. The community enjoyed its status as the state’s political center for 20 years until a group of legislators under the leadership of Lincoln succeeded in moving the capital to Springfield. Learn More...