Washington in Tazewell County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Abraham Lincoln
1809-1865
Photographed by Matthew Stevens
1. Abraham Lincoln Marker
Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President, spent much of his adult life balancing his legal practice with politics. His trips to the Metamora Courthouse where he practiced law often took him through Washington. He became acquainted with many Washington residents by defending them, sharing meals, telling stories, rolling logs on the creek, giving speeches, and attending political rallies.
Lincoln's trips to Washington are documented in local newspapers, books, and family histories.
Erected 2012.
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 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1809.
Location. 40° 42.196′ N, 89° 24.401′ W. Marker is in Washington, Illinois, in Tazewell County. It is at the intersection of Washington Square (Business U.S. 24) and South Main Street on Washington Square. Marker is located in the southwest corner of Washington Square. This is one of six plaques on the bell monument. This plaque faces southwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal
this page online
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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ronald Reagan (here, next to this marker); George Washington (here, next to this marker); In Honor of William Holland (here, next to this marker); Washington's Bell / Bandstand (here, next to this marker); Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Town & Country Gardeners Recognition (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln in Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District (approx. 3.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Washington.
Also see . . .
1. Washington Rewind Article - Lincoln in Washington.
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, July 24, 2026
2. Washington Square Bell Monument Fountain View
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.)
2. 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.)
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, July 24, 2026
3. Washington Square Bell Monument Surroundings
Credits. This page was last revised on July 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 27, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
