Middletown in Logan County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Middletown's Lincoln

Looking for Lincoln

Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 22, 2025

1. Middletown's Lincoln Marker

Inscription. Middletown was founded in 1832 by Hiram S. Allen. Middletown was an excellent business location because stagecoaches already ran through the area, going from Springfield to Galena, carrying both passengers and mail. The first lot to be sold in the original town survey of Middletown has an historical significance. It was transferred to Hawkins Taylor on June 4, 1833 and none other than Abraham Lincoln witnessed the deed. Dr. John Deskins constructed Middletown's famous stagecoach inn and tavern in 1837, on the northwest corner of the public square. On January 5, 1838, George Dunlap purchased the property and became the proprietor of an elegant stagecoach house constructed in the federal style. A nine-room stagecoach inn was much larger than the typical inn of the day. However, Middletown very early laid out two racetracks: one circular and one in a straight line. Twice each year horse racing was held there for two weeks at a time, attracting people from all over the Midwest.

The first time Lincoln would have seen George Dunlap's stagecoach inn and tavern was in April 1838 as he traveled from Springfield to attend the Taswell

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Circuit Court at Tremont. Lincoln would have stopped at the Dunlap House many times while passing through Middletown as he traveled the Eighth Judicial Circuit. Lincoln stopped at the Inn on his way to attend the Rivers and Harbor Convention in July 1847 as well as on October 10, 1848 accompanied by his family.

In 1833, Abraham Lincoln became Deputy Surveyor in Sangamon County and was frequently working in the Middletown area. On July 2, 1834, Lincoln started a survey beginning at Musick's Ferry, a mile north of Middletown on Salt Creek. Lincoln and his crew surveyed south to Middletown and along the side of the town's public square continuing south of Middletown and then on to Jacksonville. In June 1837 a noted visitor arrived by stage in Middletown, Senator Daniel Webster, who was touring the Midwest. Tradition relates that as the coach was leaving Middletown, it experienced mechanical problems. During the delay the townsfolk recognized Webster and crowded around to see the great orator. Webster gave a speech to the gathering around him. Lincoln and Webster became close political friends while serving in Congress.

Erected 2010.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 22, 2025

2. Middletown's Lincoln Marker

Located in front of the Dunlap House.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Looking for Lincoln series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1943.

Location. 40° 5.946′ N, 89° 35.458′ W. Marker is in Middletown, Illinois, in Logan County. It is on Madison Street, on the left when traveling south. Between 4th and 5th Streets. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Middletown IL 62666, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois

and in Greater Springfield.

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 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Middletown's Air Events (here, next to this marker); War Memorial (within shouting distance