Olney in Richland County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Lincoln and Douglas in Olney

Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 22, 2021

1. Lincoln and Douglas in Olney Marker

Inscription. During the Presidential Campaign of 1856 Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas spoke in Olney at separate political rallies held the same day - Saturday, September 20. In the morning Douglas spoke in a grove near town at a Democratic rally for Buchanan and Breckinridge. In the afternoon Lincoln spoke at the courthouse at a Republican rally for Fremont and Dayton. The Republican speakers - Lincoln, Senator Lyman Trumbull, and Ebenezer Peck of Chicago - also attended the Democratic rally. On the previous day they had challenged the Democrats to a debate, but the Democrats were confident of victory and did not accept.

Erected 1972 by Richland County Historical Center and the Illinois State Historical Society.

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, and the Illinois State Historical Society series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is September 20, 1856.

Location. 38° 43.857′ N, 88° 5.131′ W. Marker is in Olney, Illinois, in Richland County. It is on West Main Street west of Walnut Street,

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on the right. Marker is in front of Richland County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 103 W Main St, Olney IL 62450, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois

and in the Tri-State Region.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Bower Park / Bird Haven (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic McsBurg School / The One-Room Rural Schools of Richland County (about 700 feet away); Neighborhood Marker (approx. 0.2 miles away); History of the Olney Albino Gray Squirrel (approx. 0.6 miles away); Solar Power in Olney, Illinois (approx. 0.6 miles away); Robert Ridgway and "Bird Haven" (approx. 1.2 miles away); 1950 Census Population Center

Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 22, 2021

2. Lincoln and Douglas in Olney Marker

Marker is in front of Richland County Courthouse.

(approx. 7.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Olney.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 654 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 30, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.