Near Freeport in Stephenson County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Second Joint Appearance
Abraham Lincoln & Stephen A. Douglas
Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, March 30, 2016
1. Second Joint Appearance Marker
Douglas was the incumbent. However, the election was a hurdle in his dream of becoming President of the United States in 1860. Lincoln was a relatively unknown Springfield attorney seeking to unseat a powerful politician.
While the topic of the Freeport debate, like all the other debates, was slavery, the underlying subject was an issue of morality. Douglas argued that in a democracy, the majority could do as it pleased. Lincoln argued that even in a democracy there were moral limitations that even the majority could not exceed.
A town of some 5,000 in 1858, Freeport was inundated with a crowd estimated at between 10,000 and 15,000 on that cold, windy day. What the throng heard from the two men included what has become known as the “Freeport Doctrine.” Pronounced by Douglas in response
this page online
Douglas went on to win re-election to the senate, but the Freeport Doctrine split Douglas National Democratic Party, a major factor in electing Lincoln President in 1860.
Erected 2008 by The Lincoln-Douglas Society, The Freeport/Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Government & Politics • Notable Events. 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 date for this entry is August 27, 1858.
Location. 42° 16.608′ N, 89° 31.341′ W. Marker is near Freeport, Illinois, in Stephenson County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 20 and Browns Mill Road, on the right when traveling west on U.S. 20. Marker is located in the parking lot of the Freeport/Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, March 30, 2016
2. Second Joint Appearance Marker
Convention and Visitors Bureau building
Regionally, this marker is 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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Oscar Taylor Home (approx. 4.8 miles away); 1843 Log House (approx. 4.8 miles away); The Legacy Remains (approx. 5.2 miles away); Richard F. Sokup (approx. 5.2 miles away); Robert J. Schmelzle (approx. 5.2 miles away); Douglas Re-elected (approx. 5.2 miles away); Lincoln and Douglas in Debate 1858 (approx. 5.2 miles away); The Debates and the Media (approx. 5.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Freeport.
More about this marker. Illinois State Historical Society marker
Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, March 30, 2016
3. Debate Square
located in downtown Freeport at 114 East Douglas Street
Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, March 30, 2016
4. Lincoln - Douglas Sculpture in Debate Square
The site of the Freeport Debate is located at 114 East Douglas Street, Downtown Freeport
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2016, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,072 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 1, 2016, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
