Washington in Tazewell County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lincoln in Washington
Photographed by Matthew Konstantine Stevens
1. Lincoln in Washington Marker
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
this page online
Erected 2025 by GFL Environmental Inc., Washington Bicentennial Committee, Washington Historical Society, 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: #12 Zachary Taylor, 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 4, 1858.
Location. 40° 42.213′ N, 89° 24.365′ W. Marker is in Washington, Illinois, in Tazewell County. It is at the intersection of Walnut Street (Business U.S. 24) and Washington Square (Business U.S. 24), on the right when traveling west on Walnut Street. The marker standsalong the western fence of Breklin's Servicenter (119 Walnut Street). There is a wide sidewalk that runs next to the marker as well as a bench nearby. There are several parking spots directly in front of the marker. Touch for map. Marker
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, July 24, 2026
2. Lincoln in Washington Marker Left
Regionally, this marker is in the Illinois River Valley and in Greater Peoria. 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 walking distance of this marker: Town & Country Gardeners Recognition (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington's Bell / Bandstand (within shouting distance of this marker); In Honor of William Holland (within shouting distance of this marker); Ronald Reagan (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Lincoln (within shouting distance of this marker); George Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry F. Ganzhorn (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Washington.
More about this marker.
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, July 24, 2026
3. Lincoln in Washington Marker Right
Two bronze footprints are in front of the marker that read: "Lincoln spoke here 1858"
Also see . . .
1. When Abraham Lincoln visited the Square, Washington, Illinois. See this three minute YouTube Video from the Washington Historical Society detailing Abraham Lincoln's visit to the Washington Square in 1858.
Video Description: "During the campaign for Senate in 1858, and in advance of their debate in Galesburg just two days later, Abraham Lincoln made a surprise stop on the Washington, Illinois square on October 4, 1858 on his way to a planned speech in Metamora. Local historian, Dr. Tom Gross, recounts that story as told in the Washington Investigator."(Submitted on July 27, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois.)
2. Washington Rewind Article - Lincoln in Washington. See this local article about Abraham Lincoln's visits to Washington from the Washington Historical Society.
Exerpt: "There are only two documented appearances of Abraham Lincoln in Washington. However, there are no fewer than thirteen documented instances where Lincoln was involved in court cases with Washington residents..."(Submitted on July 27, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois.)
Additional keywords. Tazewell
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, July 28, 2026
4. Copy of Marker within inside Washington Historical Society
Located at 128 Washington Square at a small merchandise stand.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. This page has been viewed 71 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on July 20, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. 2, 3. submitted on July 25, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. 4. submitted on July 30, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker in context. • Can you help?
