NATIONAL ROAD INTERPRETIVE CENTER OF VA

VANDALIA, IL

Old Illinois State House, Gallatin Street, Vandalia, IL Built in 1836, this Federal and Greek Revival-style building was constructed to serve as the State Capitol for Illinois, when the state Capital was Vandalia.  Vandalia had become the Illinois State Capital in 1820, after it became clear that Kasakasia, which was located along the Mississippi River and had served as the territorial capital prior to statehood, was prone to flooding and unsuitable for long-term government operations.  The Old Illinois State House was utilized as a state capitol building until 1839, when the capital was moved from Vandalia to Springfield and the Old State Capitol was constructed to house the state legislature.  The building then became the Fayette County Courthouse in 1839, with the Fayette County Courts and government occupying the building until 1933.  In the 1850s, two-story Greek Revival-style pedimented porticoes were added to the north and south facades, and the interior was modified to suit the needs of the county government during the 19th Century and early 20th Century.  In 1933, the Fayette County Courthouse was moved to a renovated Queen Anne-style residence elsewhere in Vandalia, and the Old Illinois State House was restored and converted into a museum documenting its history and use as the State Capitol Building during the 1830s, as well as the early history of the Illinois State government when it was located in Vandalia between 1820 and 1839.  The building features brick exterior walls, painted white, with a side-gable roof, two-story pedimented porticoes at the north and south entrances in the center of the building’s north and south facades, which feature square columns made of brick, also painted white, and doric capitals, twenty-over-twenty double-hung windows, doors with transoms and Greek Revival-style surrounds that include cornices and doric pilasters, decorative Italianate-style trim surrounds at the window openings, a cornice with denials, and a cupola in the middle of the roof with chamfered corners, decorative pilasters, six-over-six double-hung windows, a dome, and a flagpole.  Inside, the building has been restored to its circa 1837 appearance, the year that the Illinois State Government voted to move the State Capital from Vandalia to Springfield, with a restored legislative chamber and offices, as well as gallery and exhibition space, restrooms, offices, and support areas.  The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, and in 1985, became known as the Vandalia State House State Historic Site, operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Division, formerly the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.  The building today remains in operation as a history museum.
Old Illinois State House, Gallatin Street, Vandalia, IL Credit: w_lemay

The National Road Interpretive Center of Vandalia, Illinois is a public facility located along the historic National Road, also known as US Route 40. The Interpretive Center was established in 1995 as a way to provide visitors with an understanding of the significance of the National Road. The center houses a museum, library, and research center that contain a variety of historic items, including maps, photographs, and artifacts, to help visitors gain an appreciation for the history of the National Road and the people who traveled it.

The museum portion of the Interpretive Center contains various artifacts and displays that detail the history of the National Road and its many travelers. Visitors can explore the exhibits to learn more about the history, construction, and impact of the road on the development of the country. The library and research center are also available to help visitors learn more about the National Road.

The Interpretive Center also includes a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and books related to the National Road. The Interpretive Center also offers educational programs and events throughout the year, in addition to guided tours of the surrounding area.

The National Road Interpretive Center of Vandalia, Illinois is a great place to visit if you're looking to learn more about the history of the National Road and its impact on the development of the country. With its museum, library, research center, and gift shop, visitors can explore the history of the road and its travelers. The center also offers educational programs and guided tours of the surrounding area, making it an excellent destination for history enthusiasts.

NATIONAL ROAD INTERPRETIVE CENTER OF VA is a History Museum in VANDALIA IL. US MID #8401701330

The museum is classed as HST (History Museums). It comes under American Alliance of Museums (AAM) region: Midwest (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin). Total revenue from most recent IRS 990 Form: $ 15,867 from tax period 201212 (YYYYMM).

Contact NATIONAL ROAD INTERPRETIVE CENTER OF VA

THE NATIONAL ROAD INTERPREATIVE CEN TER IN VANDALIA ILLINOIS
106 S 5TH ST
VANDALIA
IL
62471-2702

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NATIONAL ROAD INTERPRETIVE CENTER OF VA Information

MID # 8401701330
Name THE NATIONAL ROAD INTERPREATIVE CEN TER IN VANDALIA ILLINOIS
Alternate Name NATIONAL ROAD INTERPRETIVE CENTER OF VA
Classification History Museums, , Midwest
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) 680674394
NTEECC A54
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM) 201212
INCOME 16,433
REVENUE 15,867
LAT/LONG 38.972068, -89.110027
CODES FIPS State Code: 17
FIPS County Code: 051
US Census Tract: 950900
US Census Block: 3017