Was Vandalia Ever the Capital of Illinois?

No. Vandalia was never the capital of Illinois.

Illinois Capitals in Order

1. Kaskaskia (1809–1819) — territorial capital, then first state capital.
2. Vandalia (1819–1839) — second state capital.
3. Springfield (1839–present) — third and current capital; chosen partly due to Abraham Lincoln's advocacy.

Vandalia served as capital for 20 years. The Vandalia Statehouse (built 1836) still stands as a state historic site. The move to Springfield followed a legislative vote influenced by Lincoln and others who argued for a more central location.