Shelbyville in Shelby County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
"Let's Debate" by John McClarey
Photographed by Al Wolf, May 15, 2010
1. " Let's Debate " by John McClarey Marker
(Click on any of these photos to see the details.)
The positioning and “body language” of the two statues is meant to convey a spirit of friendly debate in a bi-partisan context. The statuary suggests the need that existed then and now to work together in a friendly and civil manner in order to find lasting solutions to common problems. Both Abraham Lincoln and Anthony Thornton exhibited a great magnanimity of spirit during the debate. And the theme of rational political discourse is always timely.
Finally, the dramatic placement of the statuary in front of the Shelby County Courthouse visually links the statues to the surrounding natural environment while at the same time connecting the past of Abraham Lincoln and Anthony Thornton to our on-going present.
Erected 2009 by Shelby County Lincoln Heritage Inc.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music
this page online
Location. 39° 24.409′ N, 88° 47.45′ W. Marker is in Shelbyville, Illinois, in Shelby County. It is on East Main Street west of South Washington Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker and statues are at the (South) front entrance to the Shelby County Courthouse in Shelbyville, Illinois. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Shelbyville IL 62565, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois. 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: Lincoln - Thornton Debate (here, next to this marker); Revolutionary War Soldiers Buried in Shelby County Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District (a few steps from this marker); Soldiers and Sailors Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Freedom Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln-Thornton Debate / Lincoln Circuit (within shouting distance of this marker); First Commercial Pick-up Baler (within shouting distance of this marker); Anthony Thornton (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shelbyville.
Photographed by Al Wolf, May 15, 2010
2. " Let's Debate " - - Donors Plaque
Photographed by Al Wolf, May 15, 2010
3. " Let's Debate " Statues
Photographed by Al Wolf, May 15, 2010
4. " Let's Debate " Statues
Photographed by Al Wolf, May 15, 2010
5. " Let's Debate " - - - 'Abraham Lincoln' Statue
Photographed by Al Wolf, May 15, 2010
6. " Let's Debate " - - - 'Anthony Thornton' Statue
Photographed by Al Wolf, May 15, 2010
7. Obverse - - " Let's Debate " Statues
Photographed by Al Wolf, May 15, 2010
8. Other View - - " Let's Debate " Statues
Photographed by Al Wolf, May 15, 2010
9. Just up the Hill and on the Right . . .
In this photo - - we are looking West on State Road 16 entering Shelbyville from the East. The Courthouse will be on the right.
Photographed by Al Wolf, May 15, 2010
10. " Let's Debate " Statues & Shelby County Courthouse Entrance
Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2010, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 1,187 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on May 19, 2010, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
