Galesburg in Knox County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

1. Lincoln-Douglas Debate Marker

Inscription.
On October 7, 1858, Abraham Lincoln and Stephan A. Douglas met in Galesburg for the fifth of seven joint debates. From a platform erected along the east side of Old Main on the Knox College campus, Lincoln said: "He is blowing out the moral lights around us, when he contends that whoever wants slaves has a right to own them."

Erected 1958 by Illinois State Historical Society and the Debate Centennial Commission of Galesburg.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Illinois State Historical Society series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1865.

Location. 40° 56.62′ N, 90° 22.268′ W. Marker is in Galesburg, Illinois, in Knox County. It is on South Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 East South St, Galesburg IL 61401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the

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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: This Memorial Tablet (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Main (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Lincoln Knox College (within shouting distance of this marker); Stephen A. Douglas at Knox College (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fifth Debate (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Spanish-American War Cannon (about 500 feet away); Knox County Armed Forces Memorial (about 500 feet away); Mary A. Bickerdyke (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Galesburg.

More about this marker. Located on the front lawn of Old Main.
This debate site is the only one of the seven in Illinois at which the original building is still standing. There are additional markers on the Old Main building itself and to the east of the building there is a

Photographed by Knox College, June 22, 2009

2. Lincoln-Douglas Debate Marker

Old Main, Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois, looking south.

wayside marker at 350 S. Cherry St. (across from the Old Jail building.) Visitors are encouraged to park nearby (but NOT in the courthouse lot across the street) and visit Old Main. There are additional displays that may be seen inside Old Main during normal business hours.

Regarding Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Bronze tablets by sculptor Avard Fairbank of Lincoln and Douglas flank the east door of Old Main. Because the debate platform blocked the east door, Lincoln and Douglas were forced to climb through the window that is now part of the Knox College president's office. The future President of the United States remarked, "At last I have gone through college."

Also see . . . The Debate at Galesburg, Knox College, October 7 1858. Mr. Lincoln and Freedom website entry:
A local Galesburg editor, Jason Sherman, wrote: "The expectations of all parties were far surpassed in the results of Thursday. The crowd was immense notwithstanding the remarkable heavy rains of the day previous, and the sudden change during the night to a fierce blowing, cutting wind, which lasted during the whole day, ripping and tearing banners and sending
Photographed by Knox College, November 7, 2007

3. Lincoln-Douglas Debate Marker
Bronze sculpture of Lincoln mounted on the east side of Old Main, Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois.

This tablet commemorates
the one hundredth anniversary
of the fifth debate between
Abraham Lincoln &
Stephan A. Douglas
Held on this site October seventh
1858
signs pell mell all over the town." (Submitted on October 26, 2010.)

Additional keywords. Lincoln-Douglas Debates

Looking For Lincoln -- Lincoln-Douglas Debate Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Knox College, November 7, 2007

4. Looking For Lincoln -- Lincoln-Douglas Debate Marker

Wayside marker at 350 South Cherry Street, overlooks the Lincoln-Douglas Debate site at Old Main, Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2010, by Brent Zhorne of Galesburg, Illinois. This page has been viewed 2,674 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 18, 2010. 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 18, 2010, by Brent Zhorne of Galesburg, Illinois. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.