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Before he was President of the United States, Lincoln visited La Harpe during his 1858 Campaign for Senate against Steven Douglas. The Lincoln-Douglas Debates are very well known and was one of Lincoln's first steps to becoming President of the United States. Lincoln's campaign trail took him many places and you can come and visit one of the places Lincoln did too.


Calvin E. King House

Plant, Sky, Building, Window

During Abraham Lincoln's campaign for Senate he visited La Harpe, IL. During this campaign he was also involved in the well-known Lincoln-Douglas Debates. These were 7 debates between the two candidates. Ultimately Lincoln got the victory and the seat in Senate but you can come and explore the campaign trail and see where Abraham Lincoln stood and talked to the people of La Harpe. While you're in La Harpe you can also go and see the Calvin E. King house which is a place that Lincoln stayed during his time in La Harpe. House is very noticeable with a historic marker on the outside of the house.

https://www.lookingforlincoln.org/explore/sites/97/lincoln-runs-for-senate

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Historical Marker Project