Mile Square in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lincoln to the Citizens of Indiana
Photographed By Mbowyer, October 1, 2006
1. Lincoln to the Citizens of Indiana Marker
“…it is your business…if the Union of these States, and the liberties of this people, shall be lost.... It is your business to rise up and preserve the Union....”
From speech by President-elect Abraham Lincoln at intersection of Washington and Missouri Streets, Indianapolis, February 11, 1861.
Erected 1961 by the Indiana Historical Society. (Marker Number 49.1961.2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers, and the Lincoln 1861 Inaugural Train Stops series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is February 11, 1861.
Location. 39° 46.043′ N, 86° 9.917′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in Mile Square. Marker is at the intersection of West Washington Street (U.S. 40) and South Missouri Street, on the right when traveling west on West Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 402 W Washington Street, Indianapolis IN 46204, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Here, Abraham Lincoln Said (a few steps from this
this page online
Regarding Lincoln to the Citizens of Indiana. The complete quote: “If the union of these States and the liberties of this people shall be lost, it is but little to any one man of fifty-two years of age, but a great deal to the thirty millions of people who inhabit these United States, and to their posterity in all coming time. It is your business to rise up and preserve the Union and liberty for yourselves and not for me.”
Also see . . . Video - - "Abraham Lincoln Biography. . ." - (Courtesy - YouTube)::. (Submitted on February 15, 2013.)
Additional commentary.
1. It is Here that Lincoln Arrived in Indianapolis !
Photographed By Pat Filippone, July 18, 2013
2. Lincoln to the Citizens of Indiana Marker
Just short of the “old” Union Station Lincoln’s train stopped on West Washington and South Missouri Street in Indianapolis. It was the first major test of security for Lincoln. Colonel Elmer Ellsworth was in charge of “elaborate precautions.” The Indianapolis population then was 18,600 but Lincoln’s arrival brought a crowd of 20,000 to the City.
Prior to the trip a Circular of Instructions was sent to all the reception committees at the various locations where stops were scheduled. “The President Elect will under no circumstances attempt to pass through any crowd until such arrangements are made and approved by Col. Ellsworth.”
Thusly, Lincoln’s train was to stop outside Union Station for better crowd control and security. Horse-drawn carriages took Lincoln and his entourage to the Bates House to spend the night.
Colonel Ellsworth breathed a sigh of relief when Lincoln was safely boarded the train again (in Union Station) the next morning where Mary Lincoln and the children, Willie and Tad, first joined up with Abraham—after an all night ride on a sleeper train car to catch up with Abraham in Indianapolis as a birthday surprise.
—From Colonel Elmer Ellsworth by Ruth Painter Randall, pages
Photographed By Mbowyer, October 1, 2006
3. Marker is in front of the Indiana Government Center Building
— Submitted December 7, 2007, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.
Courtesy Bass Photo Collection, Indiana Historical Society
4. "Old" Union Station - Indianapolis, Indiana
This is he first Union Station in the United States. It opened September 28, 1853 serving seven railroads. By 1870 over 100 trains a day passed through. In 1890 this structure was replaced with the current Romanesque Design Indianapolis Union Station.
Photographed By Courtsey - Indiana News Company - Post Card, Unknown
5. Post Card Photo of Old Indianapolis Union Station
Courtesy:: Bass Photo Collection, Indiana Historical Society, Circa 1890
6. Bates House (Hotel) - Indianapolis, Indiana
The Bates House Hotel entry is to the right in the photo. (Note the possible - 'balcony' existing on the building by the parked street car.)
Abraham Lincoln was taken to Bates House on February 11, 1861 for an over-night stay, reception, and a speech given from the Bates House 'balcony'. (The next day was Lincoln's Birthday, when he awoke in the Bates House Hotel.)
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, December 30, 2023
7. Lincoln to the Citizens of Indiana Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2006, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. This page has been viewed 4,613 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 2, 2006, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. 2. submitted on April 23, 2015, by Pat Filippone of Stockton, California. 3. submitted on October 2, 2006, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. 4. submitted on December 7, 2007, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 5. submitted on October 15, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 6. submitted on January 29, 2010, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 7. submitted on January 8, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
