Danville in Vermilion County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Abraham Lincoln Delivered an Impromptu Address
Photographed By Angie Shaffer, January 13, 2008
1. Abraham Lincoln Delivered an Impromptu Address Marker
Erected 1926 by Governor Bradford Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.
Location. 40° 7.641′ N, 87° 38.136′ W. Marker is in Danville, Illinois, in Vermilion County. Marker is at the intersection of North Gilbert Street and Lafayette Street, on the left when traveling north on North Gilbert Street. Marker is on the grounds of the original Vermilion County Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 116 North Gilbert Street, Danville IL 61832, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historic Millstone (here, next to this marker); Abraham Lincoln (here, next to this marker); Dr. William Fithian Home (within shouting distance of this marker); A Friend Forever (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Lincoln at Danville Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District
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Regarding Abraham Lincoln Delivered an Impromptu Address. From 1841 to 1859, Abraham Lincoln practiced law in Danville. In 1852, he established a local law firm with Ward Hill Lamon. This was Lincoln's only permanent law office on the circuit. While on his senatorial campaign in September of 1858, Lincoln stepped through a window onto a balcony at the home of his longtime friend, William E. Fithian. Standing in his stocking feet, Lincoln proceeded to give a speech to the residents of Danville.
Photographed By Angie Shaffer, January 13, 2008
2. The balcony Mr. Lincoln stood on to deliver his speech
Photo is of the original Vermilion County Museum
Photographed By Angie Shaffer, January 12, 2008
3. Balcony from which Mr. Lincoln delivered his speech
Photographed By Courtesy:: "Old Illinois Houses"
4. Old Photo - - Dr. William Fithian Home
Photographed By Angie Shaffer, January 13, 2008
5. The Lamon House
The Lamon House is a Greek Revival Cottage built in 1850 by Joseph and Melissa Beckwith Lamon. The Lamon House is believed to be the oldest frame house in the Danville Area. Joseph is the cousin of Ward Hill Lamon, Lincoln's law partner and bodyguard. Melissa is the daughter of Dan Beckwith, who Danville is named for. The home originally stood near downtown Danville on North Street, but was moved to its present location in Lincoln Park and was completely restored in the early 1980's.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2008, by Angie Shaffer of Springfield, Illinois. This page has been viewed 2,078 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 14, 2008, by Angie Shaffer of Springfield, Illinois. 4. submitted on March 28, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 5. submitted on January 14, 2008, by Angie Shaffer of Springfield, Illinois. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
