Alton in Madison County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Alton

Photographed By Jason Voigt, August 2, 2020

1. Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Alton Marker

Inscription. The seventh and last debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas in the 1858 U.S. Senatorial Campaign was held at this site on October 15. Approximately five thousand people gathered in front of the old City Hall to hear the two candidates. The debates received national attention, with Lincoln arguing against the extension of slavery into the Western territories, and Douglas campaigning for States' Rights. The following November Douglas defeated Lincoln for the Senate seat, but two years later, Lincoln defeated Douglas in the race for the Presidency.

Erected 2007 by Greater Alton Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois State Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Illinois State Historical Society series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is October 15, 1858.

Location. 38° 53.405′ N, 90° 11.145′ W. Marker is in Alton, Illinois, in Madison County. Marker is on West Broadway west of Market Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is next to Lincoln-Douglas Square. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Market St, Alton IL 62002, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

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within walking distance of this marker. Lincoln-Douglas Debates! (within shouting distance of this marker); Discover History All Around Alton (within shouting distance of this marker); Ryder Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Paul's Episcopal Church (about 500 feet away); Miles Davis (about 600 feet away); Setting the Stage for the Great Debate (approx. 0.2 miles away); Alton & Sangamon Railroad (approx. 0.2 miles away); After The War (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alton.

Also see . . . The Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858 (NPS). From the National Park Services website, this is a list of all of the places where the Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas debated in Illinois for the Senate seat. They agreed to debate in seven of the nine Congressional districts in Illinois. Quincy, Ottawa, Jonesboro and Galesburg were other places that the two men debated on the future of the United States. Each debate city/town has its own link, and by clicking on it you can learn more details over what the two men fought about, as well as notable quotes. (Submitted on August 2, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Photographed By Jason Voigt, August 2, 2020

2. Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Alton Marker

A wide view of the marker, in front of Lincoln-Douglas Square, with statues in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 379 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 2, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.