Toulon in Stark County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lincoln in Stark County
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 23, 2020
1. Lincoln in Stark County Marker
At the end of the nation's most famous senatorial campaign between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas, both men appeared on these courthouse grounds to address the excited citizens of Stark County in 1858. Douglas arrived on October 26 and Lincoln followed on October 27. Both men rode into town at the head of two-mile long parades, had lunch at local hotels, met distinguished guests, and gave their speeches to very large and enthusiastic crowds.
This working 19th-century courthouse is one of a handful in Illinois that hosted Lincoln either as a circuit riding lawyer or candidate for elective office. An excellent example of Greek revival architecture, its four massive, two-story Doric columns rise to a majestic cupola, a symbol of democracy visible for miles on the early Illinois prairie. The building was completed at a cost of $10,890 just eight months before Lincoln's visit.
As a member of the Eleventh General Assembly of Illinois, Lincoln assisted in and voted to create Stark County on March 2, 1839. The county was named for Revolutionary War hero Brigadier General John Stark, whose military engagements
this page online
Erected 2018 by The Stark County Genealogical Society and The Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Patriots & Patriotism • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 2, 1839.
Location. 41° 5.628′ N, 89° 51.942′ W. Marker is in Toulon, Illinois, in Stark County. Marker is at the intersection of West Main Street (Illinois Route 17) and North Washington Street, on the right when traveling east on West Main Street. Marker is in front of Stark County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 130 West Main Street, Toulon IL 61483, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fraker's Grove (approx. 7.3 miles away); Abraham Lincoln in Kewanee (approx. 10.8 miles away); Princeville Revolutionary War Veterans (approx. 12.2 miles away); “Woodland Palace” (approx. 12.8 miles away).
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 23, 2020
2. Lincoln in Stark County Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 239 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 27, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
