About this Event
The Donner-Reed Party left Springfield, Illinois for California in 1846. This program will discuss the group's reasons for leaving Springfield, their dreams for the future and what they hoped to accomplish on their journey west.
This program is family-friendly and open to all ages; reservations are optional. The program will focus on the party's journeys through Illinois, Missouri and Nebraska.
Parking
Street parking is available adjacent to and near the site. Street parking is free on Saturdays and Sundays. Please note, for the weekend of September 26-27, you may need to park further from the site as some downtown streets may be closed for the Route 66 Mother Road Festival.
About the Site
The Old State Capitol State Historic Site is located between Fifth and Sixth Streets and Washington and Adams Streets in downtown Springfield, Illinois. It is a reconstruction of the building that served as Illinois' State Capitol from 1840-1876. During the time this location served as the Capitol, Abraham Lincoln delivered his "House Divided" speech here, and state legislators met here in 1865 to make Illinois the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Civic leaders including Frances Harper, Frederick Douglass and John Jones visited the building to advocate for the expansion of freedom and civil rights to all Americans. Today the building serves as a State Historic Site, while also hosting community gatherings and cultural festivals throughout the year.
Event venue & nearby stays
Old State Capitol State Historic Site, 526 East Adams Street, Springfield, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.