Located along the shores of the mighty Mississippi in Great Rivers Country, Quincy was a frequent stop for Lincoln. He counted some of its residents among his closest friends. It was here that the historic 6th Lincoln-Douglas Debate took place. Many said it was the turning point of the campaign and Lincoln’s political career as he made his strongest public stand yet against slavery. While you’re in town, visit the historic debate site and Lincoln-Douglas Interpretive Center in the heart of downtown Quincy. Tour the home of famed abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor, Dr. Richard Eells, whose case would be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. Explore the stately mansion once belonging to Illinois’ 12th governor and Quincy founder, John Wood – a close Lincoln political ally and visit the nearby Lincoln Gallary with exhibits telling the story of Lincoln's political and personal ties with Quincy.
For more information:
Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
532 Gardner Expressway
Quincy, IL 62301
217-214-3700
http://seequincy.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
Political Campaigning in 1858
Washington Park, N. 5th Street Quincy, Illinois 62301
At the site of the Sixth Lincoln-Douglas Debate learn about Lincoln’s arrival in Quincy, where he stayed, and his departure on a steamboat. Find out how Lincoln and Douglas campaigned before thousands of enthusiastic supporters, and learn about the historic second Adams County courthouse that was located across the street from the debate site.
Looking for Exhibits Wayside Exhibits related to Quincy in the Lincoln Era are located at 18 sites. The exhibits provide details about Lincoln, events, local people, and environment that contributed to Lincoln's Quincy story.
Guide to Lincoln's Quincy: https://seequincy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lincoln-in-quincy_web_2016.pdf
Quincy's Early Environment
1601 Maine St. Quincy, Illinois 62301
Timbered hills, tall prairie grasses, ravines, creeks, and springs were found in Quincy in Lincoln’s time. Originally called “Bluffs,” the town grew along the eastern bank of the Mississippi and on the heights above. Learn about the geographic features and the plentiful wildlife during Quincy’s formative years. Enjoy a visitor’s description in 1848 of the town on the bluff, and find out why Illinois has long been known as the “Sucker” state.
Looking for Exhibits Wayside Exhibits related to Quincy in the Lincoln Era are located at 18 sites. The exhibits provide details about Lincoln, events, local people, and environment that contributed to Lincoln's Quincy story.
Guide to Lincoln's Quincy: https://seequincy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lincoln-in-quincy_web_2016.pdf
Quincy's Judge Douglas
Washington Park, N. 5th St. Quincy, Illinois 62301
Stephen A. Douglas was the most powerful Democrat and legislator when the Legislative Branch of the Federal government was most influential. Learn about the political career of Lincoln’s lifelong political opponent and how he earned the nickname, “The Little Giant.” Find out why he “courted” the Mormon vote and came to live in Quincy.
Looking for Exhibits Wayside Exhibits related to Quincy in the Lincoln Era are located at 18 sites. The exhibits provide details about Lincoln, events, local people, and environment that contributed to Lincoln's Quincy story.
Guide to Lincoln's Quincy: https://seequincy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lincoln-in-quincy_web_2016.pdf
Search for Equality
415 Mulberry Alley Quincy, Illinois 62301
The Lincoln-Douglas Debates centered on the issue of slavery. Learn more about Lincoln’s views on racial equality and women’s suffrage. Find out how Dr. Richard Eells was involved with the Underground Railroad, and learn about his anti-slavery efforts, his arrest, and how his case reached the U.S. Supreme Court.
Looking for Exhibits Wayside Exhibits related to Quincy in the Lincoln Era are located at 18 sites. The exhibits provide details about Lincoln, events, local people, and environment that contributed to Lincoln's Quincy story.
Guide to Lincoln's Quincy: https://seequincy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lincoln-in-quincy_web_2016.pdf
Steamboats and Railroads
501 All American Park (Clat Adams Park at Front & Broadway) Quincy, Illinois 62301
Why did Quincy owe its existence to the Mississippi River, and how did the completion of railroads add to the community’s growth? Learn how Lincoln traveled to and from Quincy during his visits over the years, and find out how Lincoln and Douglas came to the Sixth Debate in Quincy and traveled to Alton for their final debate.
Looking for Exhibits Wayside Exhibits related to Quincy in the Lincoln Era are located at 18 sites. The exhibits provide details about Lincoln, events, local people, and environment that contributed to Lincoln's Quincy story.
Guide to Lincoln's Quincy: https://seequincy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lincoln-in-quincy_web_2016.pdf