Shelbyville in Shelby County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lincoln-Thornton Debate / Lincoln Circuit
Photographed By Al Wolf, August 31, 2008
1. Lincoln-Thornton Debate / Lincoln Circuit Markers
In early days of "politic-ing" the phrase "stump speech" was invented. Politicians literally would get up on a large stump (and if none around) a large boulder to give a heated speech as they excited the gathered crowd. This large Shelbyville boulder "heard" some early 1800's words from 'notable' office seekers.
Larger Marker
Abraham Lincoln
and
Anthony Thornton
June 15, 1856
debated for and against
Freedom
in our territories.
It was the initial speech that made
Lincoln President
and
The Great Emancipator.
Smaller Marker
1847 - 1858
He practised law here
occupied a room in the hotel
then known as
Tackets Tavern.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 15, 1856.
Location. 39° 24.394′ N, 88° 47.432′ W. Marker is in Shelbyville, Illinois, in Shelby County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (Illinois Route 16) and Washington Street, on the left when traveling east on Main Street. On southeast corner of "Freedom Square" in full view of the Court House. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Shelbyville IL 62565, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Commercial Pick-up Baler (here, next to this marker); Soldiers and Sailors Monument (a few steps from this marker); Freedom Square
this page online
Photographed By Al Wolf, August 31, 2008
2. Lincoln Circuit (Smaller) Marker
Photographed By Al Wolf, August 31, 2008
3. Lincoln-Thornton Debate (Larger) Marker
Photographed By Al Wolf, August 31, 2008
4. Lincoln Boulder - - Shelby County Court House
Boulder easily seen resting at "Freedom Square" across from the Shelby Court House in Shelbyville, Illinois.
Photographed By Larry Gertner
5. Travel with Lincoln
All Lincoln Circuit Markers, and a few others, following Lincoln's travels while a member of the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District from 1847 - 1857.
Climb into Lincoln’s buggy and take a trip with Lincoln and his fellow lawyers on the job traveling Illinois as Circuit Lawyers. See all the Lincoln Circuit Markers (and a surprise or two), in the order of his travels while a member of the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District (of Illinois) during 1847-1857. Use the “First >>” button in the upper right to see these markers in sequence, starting from Springfield.
(Submitted on October 17, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
Click for more information.
Climb into Lincoln’s buggy and take a trip with Lincoln and his fellow lawyers on the job traveling Illinois as Circuit Lawyers. See all the Lincoln Circuit Markers (and a surprise or two), in the order of his travels while a member of the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District (of Illinois) during 1847-1857. Use the “First >>” button in the upper right to see these markers in sequence, starting from Springfield.
(Submitted on October 17, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 2,049 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on September 9, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 6, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 5. submitted on August 5, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
