Senate Chamber

Abraham Lincoln did not serve in the Illinois Senate, but would have been familiar with this room and its occupants. This was the first legislative chamber ready in the building, opening on November 23, 1840. When the General Assembly met in a joint session, however, members moved to the larger House chamber.

Behind the platform is a painting of LaFayette copied by James W. Berry from the original in the U.S. Capitol. A companion portrait of Washington hangs in Representatives Hall.

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