The Illinois Legislature authorized construction of the State Capitol Building in 1867. It is Illinois’ sixth Capitol Building and the second located in Springfield. The original design for the building was created by Chicago architect John C. Cochrane, who formed a partnership with Alfred H. Piquenard. A railroad line from the Toledo, Wabash and Western was built to encircle the Capitol and provide easy access for building materials. The project was delayed by Piquenard’s death in 1876 and halted by a lack of funds in 1877. The project continued in 1884 with new funds and a fresh perspective from architect W.W. Boyington, who also designed Chicago’s Water Tower building.

Despite the start of construction of the Capitol, Chicago almost became Illinois’ fourth capital city. The General Assembly planned to convene its fall 1871 session there until the Great Chicago Fire occurred on October 8-9. Instead, Springfield remained the capital city, and on Jan. 3, 1877, the General Assembly convened its first session in the new building. The project was completed in 1888 at a cost of $4.3 million, and a balance of $6.35 was returned to the state treasury.