Lincoln in Washington

Lincoln in Washington. . , Abraham Lincoln's travels along the 8th Judicial Circuit brought him through Washington many times, but only two visits of Lincoln are documented. On November 2, 1848, Lincoln came to Washington with Anson G. Henry of Springfield to stump for Zachary Taylor's presidential campaign. A decade later Lincoln visited Washington Square, the town hub platted by William Holland in 1834. Lincoln came for a rally here in his famous senatorial bid against Stephen A. Douglas. Scheduled to speak in Metamora on October 4, 1858, Lincoln arrived in Washington on the 9 A.M. freight train from Peoria. His supporters expected him on the Central Railroad from the south. Finding no greeters, Lincoln began to walk and was met by James N. Harlan, who carried his valise for him. Lincoln took the assembly by surprise when he appeared at the Square. A carriage was prepared and about 290 people in some 50 wagons and carriages lined up behind him. The procession drove from the Square along Walnut to High Street down High to Holland Street, and down Holland to Main Street, then escorted Lincoln north out of town. He returned that evening and he and other Republican officials gave speeches until a later hour in front of the Washington Hotel. The next morning Lincoln left for Peoria on the 5 A.M. freight train.