Institution

The Center was an undertaking of the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition and the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. It is located across the street from the debate site and was dedicated in October 2009 as a lasting legacy to the sixth debate and to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s place in Quincy’s history.  Interpretive Center exhibits include: A Slave Nation, the Lincoln-Douglas Debates, the 2nd Adams County Courthouse mural, Lincoln and Douglas life-sized cutouts, Quincy at Time of the Debate, Orville &amp; Eliza Browning, Images of Lincoln and Douglas Through the Years, and the Lincoln Heritage Trail: Quincy's LFL Wayside Exhibits.A major feature of the Center, The Turning Point Exhibit, explains why the debate was so important and how it affected United States history. The eight-sided kiosk tells the story of the sixth debate and emphasizes its importance in defining the morality of slavery and catapulting Abraham Lincoln to national attention.

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Lincoln-Douglas Debate Interpretive Center

The tour of historic markers and sites related to Lincoln within the heart of Quincy and the historic Washington Park. The tour picks up at the Dr. Richard Eells House and explores its history and connection to the Underground Railroad. The tour moves towards Washington Park and includes a variety of Looking for Lincoln markers. This short walk also includes the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Interpretive Center which offers a chance to explore the historic significance of the debates between Lincoln and Douglas, including the sixth debate which occurred at Quincy in 1858. The tour also includes Quincy's History Museum on the Square which is home to a multitude of rotating exhibits from the pioneer era in addition to a permanent exhibit about Lincoln.

Dr. Richard Eells and his wife&nbsp;had the house built in 1835 in the Greek Revival style, though they later modified it to a more Italianate look. &nbsp;At that time Quincy was a prosperous river town, and Eells was not only an important figure in the community, but he was also a prominent member of the Illinois abolitionist movement. &nbsp;He&nbsp;is believed to have helped hundreds of slaves escape to freedom, and became the president of the Illinois Anti-Slavery Party in 1843. &nbsp;In 1842, Eells sheltered a man named Charley at his house. &nbsp;Charley was a slave who had run&nbsp;away from Monticello, Missouri by swimming across the Mississippi River and was hoping to reach freedom in Canada. &nbsp;While trying to get Charley to safety at another Underground Railroad location in Quincy, Eells was stopped by slave hunters, &nbsp;Charley escaped but was later caught and sent back to Missouri. &nbsp;Eells was arrested for aiding a fugitive slave&nbsp;and stood trial before Judge Stephen A. Douglas. &nbsp;Douglas senteced Eells to pay a fine of $400, but Eells refused and appealed his case to the Illinois Supreme Court. &nbsp;Eells lost the appeal along with much of his finanes. &nbsp;In 1846, while taking a trip on a river boat on the Ohio River, Eells died. The house is now a museum run by a organization known as the Friends of Dr. Eells House. &nbsp;Tour guides take guests through the home every Saturday, talking about the home's significance to Quincy's Underground Railroad, as well as the architecture of the house. &nbsp;The furniture and decor the home have been authentically reproduced to an early 19th century look.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

This somewhat unassuming, three-story brick building has a fascinating history behind it.  The home of Dr. Richard Eells, a staunch abolitionist, the house was once on the Underground Railroad.  The Eells home was an essential part of the anti-slavery movement in Quincy, a town that was many a runaway slave's first chance at freedom after crossing the Mississippi from Missouri. The house is part of the South Side German Historic District, a neighborhood that is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Dr. Richard Eells House

The History Museum on the Square houses permanent and rotating installations and features displays and artifacts from the pioneer era through modern times. A unique feature of the historic structure is the large, three- story, circular corner tower which is connected to an elevated front center entrance. A sculpture garden on the grounds features significant architectural artifacts from Quincy buildings that are no longer in existence.  Many of the permanent exhibits in the History Museum interpret the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. The museum’s grounds, manicured and welcoming, are maintained by the Master Gardeners of University of Illinois Extension Unit 14 and feature well-placed pieces from the Gardner Museum’s Sculpture Garden. The John Wood Memorial Plaza is located south of the Museum and is a tranquil landscaped patio area with engraved pavers and benches purchased by Society members. This beautiful space is fast-becoming a popular spot for receptions, lunches and weddings “near the Square.”  A stone drinking fountain on the west side of the building stands as a memorial to World War I Brigadier General Henry Root Hill.

The History Museum on the Square

This bas-relief sculpture was dedicated in 1936 and the artist's choice to depict Lincoln standing while Douglas sits with his arms crossed demonstrates the esteem Illinois residents felt for Abraham Lincoln in that era. A crowd estimated to be as large as 15,000 people watched the two rising political leaders debate the issues of the day, including the extension of slavery. While Lincoln began the debates with equivocation about the issue, it was at this location in Quincy where Lincoln expressed his moral opposition to slavery most clearly. Despite his clear belief that slavery was "a moral, a social, and a political wrong," Lincoln called only for ending the extension of slavery at this time and would not support actions to end slavery where it was practiced until halfway through the Civil War.

This bas relief sculpture by artist Lorado Taft was dedicated in 1936 and depicts the sixth debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas which occurred in this public square on October 13, 1858. The two men were candidates for the U.S. Senate at a time when Senators were selected by the state legislature. As a result, the debate was seen as representatives of the two political parties rather than a popular referendum between the two candidates. Although Douglas's Democratic Party won the majority of seats leading to his selection as Senator, Abraham Lincoln became the Republican Party's Presidential candidate in the next election.

Sixth Lincoln-Douglas Debate (Quincy IL) Monument and Historical Marker

At the site of the Sixth Lincoln-Douglas Debate learn about Lincoln’s arrival in Quincy, where he stayed, and his departure on a steamboat. Find out how Lincoln and Douglas campaigned before thousands of enthusiastic supporters, and learn about the historic second Adams County courthouse that was located across the street from the debate site.Looking for Exhibits Wayside Exhibits related to Quincy in the Lincoln Era are located at 18 sites. The exhibits provide details about Lincoln, events, local people, and environment that contributed to Lincoln's Quincy story. Other aspects of this story are highlighted around the town of Quincy.Guide to Lincoln's Quincy: https://seequincy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lincoln-in-quincy_web_2016.pdf

At the site of the Sixth Lincoln-Douglas Debate learn about Lincoln’s arrival in Quincy, where he stayed, and his departure on a steamboat. Find out how Lincoln and Douglas campaigned before thousands of enthusiastic supporters, and learn about the historic second Adams County courthouse that was located across the street from the debate site.Looking for Exhibits Wayside Exhibits related to Quincy in the Lincoln Era are located at 18 sites. The exhibits provide details about Lincoln, events, local people, and environment that contributed to Lincoln's Quincy story.

Political Campaigning in 1858

Lincoln wrote to Quincyan Abraham Jonas that “You are one of my most valued friends.” Learn about Jonas’ ties to Lincoln and his numerous efforts as a Lincoln supporter, including making arrangements for the Lincoln-Douglas Debate in Quincy and filling Chicago’s Wigwam hall with Lincoln supporters so that Lincoln secured the Republican nomination for President.Looking for Exhibits Wayside Exhibits related to Quincy in the Lincoln Era are located at 18 sites. The exhibits provide details about Lincoln, events, local people, and environment that contributed to Lincoln's Quincy story. There a many neighboring experiences that engage with the rich story of Lincoln's time in the town of Quincy.

Lincoln wrote to Quincyan Abraham Jonas that “You are one of my most valued friends.” Learn about Jonas’ ties to Lincoln and his numerous efforts as a Lincoln supporter, including making arrangements for the Lincoln-Douglas Debate in Quincy and filling Chicago’s Wigwam hall with Lincoln supporters so that Lincoln secured the Republican nomination for President.Looking for Exhibits Wayside Exhibits related to Quincy in the Lincoln Era are located at 18 sites. The exhibits provide details about Lincoln, events, local people, and environment that contributed to Lincoln's Quincy story.

Lincoln's Promoter

Stephen A. Douglas was the most powerful Democrat and legislator when the Legislative Branch of the Federal government was most influential. Learn about the political career of Lincoln’s lifelong political opponent and how he earned the nickname, “The Little Giant.” Find out why he “courted” the Mormon vote and came to live in Quincy.Looking for Exhibits Wayside Exhibits related to Quincy in the Lincoln Era are located at 18 sites. The exhibits provide details about Lincoln, events, local people, and environment that contributed to Lincoln's Quincy story. Lincoln's Quincy story is full of many interesting moments that are highlighted around the town.https://www.lookingforlincoln.org/explore/sites/31/quincys-judge-douglas

Stephen A. Douglas was the most powerful Democrat and legislator when the Legislative Branch of the Federal government was most influential. Learn about the political career of Lincoln’s lifelong political opponent and how he earned the nickname, “The Little Giant.” Find out why he “courted” the Mormon vote and came to live in Quincy.Looking for Exhibits Wayside Exhibits related to Quincy in the Lincoln Era are located at 18 sites. The exhibits provide details about Lincoln, events, local people, and environment that contributed to Lincoln's Quincy story.

Quincy's Judge Douglas

What did Lincoln see in 1858 as he surveyed downtown Quincy from the platform for the sixth debate? Learn about the vibrant commercial district around Washington Square in the “Model City,” anchored by the elegant Quincy House hotel and a columnated Greek Revival courthouse. However, Quincy’s largest manufacturing establish­ments, riverfront steamboat activity, and new railroad station were built three blocks downhill on the shore of Quincy Bay.Looking for Exhibits Wayside Exhibits related to Quincy in the Lincoln Era are located at 18 sites. The exhibits provide details about Lincoln, events, local people, and environment that contributed to Lincoln's Quincy story and its influence on the town.

What did Lincoln see in 1858 as he surveyed downtown Quincy from the platform for the sixth debate? Learn about the vibrant commercial district around Washington Square in the “Model City,” anchored by the elegant Quincy House hotel and a columnated Greek Revival courthouse. However, Quincy’s largest manufacturing establish­ments, riverfront steamboat activity, and new railroad station were built three blocks downhill on the shore of Quincy Bay.Looking for Exhibits Wayside Exhibits related to Quincy in the Lincoln Era are located at 18 sites. The exhibits provide details about Lincoln, events, local people, and environment that contributed to Lincoln's Quincy story.

Washington Park and Abraham Lincoln's Connection to Quincy, Illinois Walking Tour

Lincoln-Douglas Debate Interpretive Center

Introduction

Backstory and Context

Additional Information