Abraham Lincoln was no stranger to Ottawa and LaSalle County. He tried court cases in the community, was mustered out of the militia during the Blackhawk War, travelled on the Illinois & Michigan Canal and also served as a I&M Canal Commissioner. His most notable visit to Ottawa and LaSalle County took place on August 21, 1858. The first of seven Lincoln-Douglas senatorial debates was held in Ottawa’s historic Washington Square. It was estimated that 20,000 spectators gathered to witness this famous debate. Today, the site is now marked by a boulder and plaque, and a fountain topped by bronze statues of the "Railsplitter" and "The Little Giant" forms the centerpiece of the beautifully landscaped square. Retrace Lincoln’s footsteps in Ottawa and LaSalle County.
For more information:
Ottawa Visitors Center
1028 La Salle Street
Ottawa, IL 61350
815-434-2737
https://pickusottawail.com/
Location
Legend
8th Judicial Circuit
Courthouse
Friends of Lincoln
Good for Kids
Guided/Self-Guided Tours
Historic House
Historic Site
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Museum
Passport Site
Recreational
Route 66
Top Destination
Underground Railroad
Visitor Information
Wayside Exhibit
Nearby Sites
First Lincoln-Douglas Debate
101 E. Lafayette St. Ottawa, Illinois 61350
Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits tell the stories of Lincoln’s life and times in Illinois. Each wayside exhibit tells a unique Lincoln story and a local story. Many of the waysides share little known stories about Lincoln and the individuals he interacted with. There are over 260 Looking for Lincoln waysides in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.
In Search of Blackhawk
500 Columbus St. Ottawa, Illinois 61350
Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits tell the stories of Lincoln’s life and times in Illinois. Each wayside exhibit tells a unique Lincoln story and a local story. Many of the waysides share little known stories about Lincoln and the individuals he interacted with. There are over 260 Looking for Lincoln waysides in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.
Lincoln Slept Here
800 Columbus St. Ottawa, Illinois 61350
Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits tell the stories of Lincoln’s life and times in Illinois. Each wayside exhibit tells a unique Lincoln story and a local story. Many of the waysides share little known stories about Lincoln and the individuals he interacted with. There are over 260 Looking for Lincoln waysides in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.
Lincoln's Law Career in Ottawa
119 W. Madison St. Ottawa, Illinois 61350
Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits tell the stories of Lincoln’s life and times in Illinois. Each wayside exhibit tells a unique Lincoln story and a local story. Many of the waysides share little known stories about Lincoln and the individuals he interacted with. There are over 260 Looking for Lincoln waysides in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.