Mount Vernon in Jefferson County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
State of Illinois v. Illinois Central Railroad
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 15, 2012
1. State of Illinois v. Illinois Central Railroad Marker
From 1853 until his nomination for the Presidency in 1860, Lincoln was retained as an attorney by the Illinois Central Railroad, the leading corporation in the state. During this period Lincoln handled many cases for the railroad in state and federal court, including several cases before the Illinois Supreme Court.
One of the most important cases Lincoln handled for the Illinois Central was the case he tried before the Supreme Court at this courthouse in November of 1859. The case involved the evaluation of the railroad's property for the assessment of taxes alleged to be due to the State for the year 1857. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Lincoln and the railroad. Lincoln's victory in this case rescued the railroad from financial ruin. If Lincoln had lost this case, the Illinois Central most likely would have been forced into bankruptcy, which would have been disastrous to the State of Illinois and its economy. The Supreme Court's decision in this case was the last reported decision in which Lincoln was connected as a lawyer.
Erected 2008.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1859.
Location. 38° 19.047′ N, 88° 54.483′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Attorney Abraham Lincoln (here, next to this marker); The Illinois Supreme Court in Mt. Vernon (here, next to this marker); The Appellate Court in Mt. Vernon (here, next to this marker); Why Is Lincoln Beardless? (here, next to this marker); Appellate Courthouse (here, next to this marker); War Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Women Veterans Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Mt. Vernon Oakwood Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mount Vernon.
Also see . . .
1. The Law Practice of Abraham Lincoln: A Narrative Overview. The Law Practice of Abraham Lincoln Webpage (Submitted on December 10, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Appellate Courthouse History. Mt. Vernon Website entry (Submitted on December 10, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. History of the Illinois Central Railroad (1900). Internet Archive PDF (Submitted on December 10, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
4. Illinois Central Railroad. Encyclopedia of Chicago entry (Submitted on December 10, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 15, 2012
2. State of Illinois v. Illinois Central Railroad Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 741 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 10, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
