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

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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.

2. Quincy's 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.

3. Lincoln's Promoter

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.

4. Lincoln-Douglas Debate Interpretive Center

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 & 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.

5. Political Campaigning in 1858

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.

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

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.

7. The History Museum on the Square

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.

8. Dr. Richard Eells House

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.

This Tour is a Walking Tour.

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

Created by Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area on December 8th 2021, 6:31:33 pm.

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Description

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.

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

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