Lincoln - Douglas Square, Illinois, United States
4.5 (6 reviews) Monday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Ranking #11 in Alton Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas
Learn about a critical time in U.S. history
A series of debates occurred in 1858 for a senate race between incumbent Stephen Douglas and challenger Abraham Lincoln. The final debate took place here in view of the Mississippi River in Alton, Illinois. The event has been honored with a sculpture of the 2 gentlemen. The facial expressions and body stances tell the story.
Address
Broadway & Market St, Alton, IL 62002
Mobile
Working hours
Monday : 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday : 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday : 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday : 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday : 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday : 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday : 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Current local date and time now
Monday, May 13, 2024, 11:32
User Ratings
4.5 based on (6 reviews)
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Reviews
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5chuckie_css 5:00 PM May 19, 2018
debate site
The lincoln - Douglas Square commemorates the Lincoln - Douglas Debate that happened in Alton. The site has some history on the debate and what lincoln went on to do
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4EwanderingMan 5:00 PM Oct 11, 2019
'tis just a couple of statues... but it IS sort of a "photogenic" place
While back in town for my high school reunion, I drive-wandered about the entire area. I just HAD to show my wife these statues one-more-time. The statue-artistry depicting Stephan A. Douglas in a rant, and Abraham Lincoln in deep reflection, are very well done, in my humble, non-trained opinion. The statues commemorate the final of seven debates in the campaign for the Illinois election of 1858 for U.S. Senate. The debate was held on this very site. Although Mr. Douglas won that election, the newsiness of the debates brought Mr. Lincoln to national attention... and we know who won the Presidency of the United States in the election of 1860. This site of the debate, today enables one to photograph the LARGE "Welcome to Alton" flag painting on the flour mill elevators in the background of a photo of the candidates. (Alas, the lighting didn't work out for me on this occasion.) There are some parking spots at the statues site. The location is just about 140 NE yards of the Argosy Casino, but don't try to WALK there from the casino. Traffic along Landmarks Blvd. Hwy 67 can be quite brisk. I'd go from the casino along Landmarks Blvd./Piasa, turn right on Broadway, and then make an immediate right turn onto Market Street to the statues/monument.
