Charleston in Coles County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Lincoln-Douglas Debate at Charleston
Photographed By James Hulse, October 24, 2021
1. The Lincoln-Douglas Debate at Charleston Marker
On September 18, 1858, Springfield attorney and former U.S. Congressman Abraham Lincoln debated U.S. Senator Stephen A. Douglas at the Coles County Fairgrounds during the senatorial campaign of that year. The Charleston debate was the fourth of seven debates held between Lincoln and Douglas from August to October. A reported 12,000 to 15,000 people were in attendance at the Charleston debate, with many spectators traveling to Charleston by train and wagon from Indiana. The campaign centered on the issue of slavery in the Federal territories. Was the institution to be extended into the territories and new slaves states created or not? Lincoln as the Republican candidate opposed the extension of slavery while Douglas as the Democratic incumbent defended his doctrine of "Popular Sovereignty, which held that the residents of the territories should decide the slavery issue for themselves. It was during the Charleston debate that Lincoln denied Douglas' charge that he favored social and political equality for African-Americans. He opposed slavery but took the position that whites should maintain "a superior position"- a statement that
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Lincoln won the popular vote but lost the election since the Democrats controlled the Illinois Senate, and state legislatures at that time elected United States Senators. Although Douglas was reelected the debates positioned Lincoln to win the presidency two years later.
Erected 2008 by Coles County Historical Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 18, 1858.
Location. 39° 29.795′ N, 88° 11.219′ W. Marker is in Charleston, Illinois, in Coles County. Marker is on E Street, 0.1 miles south of West State Street (Illinois Route 316), on the right when traveling south. The marker is located on the west side of the Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 126 E Street, Charleston IL 61920, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Rally After the Debate / Lincoln in Coles County (approx. 0.6 miles away); Tribute of Coles County in Honor of Her Sons Who Fought for the Union (approx. 0.6 miles away); Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District
Photographed By James Hulse, October 24, 2021
2. The Lincoln-Douglas Debate at Charleston Marker
Also see . . . Fourth Debate: Charleston, Illinois.
Answering Douglas' charge made in Jonosboro that he favored racial equality Lincoln explained his views on race. Lincoln then charged that Douglas was plotting to create a constitution for Kansas without allowing it to be voted upon by the people of Kansas. Lincoln gave a detailed "history" of the 'Nebraska Bill' [Kansas-Nebraska Act] and explained a conspiracy existed to nationalize slavery. Source: National Parks Service(Submitted on October 25, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed By James Hulse, October 24, 2021
3. Lincoln and Douglas Debate Statue with the marker in background on the right
Public Domain - U.S Government-Post Office
4. U.S. Postage, 1958 issue, commemorating the Lincoln and Douglas debates
Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 448 times since then and 95 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 25, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
