Freeport, Illinois: Douglas Debates Lincoln
Unveiled in 1992, on the 134th anniversary of the debate in Freeport between short Stephen Douglas and tall soon-to-be-President Abe Lincoln.
- Address:
- 126 E. Douglas St., Freeport, IL
- Directions:
- In a little park on the north side of E. Douglas St./Hwy 75, between N. State and N. Adams Aves.
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Site of the second debate between Lincoln and Douglas (August 27, 1858). Douglas introduced his Freeport Doctrine. Theodore Roosevelt was present in 1903 to dedicate a plaque to commemorate the debate.
[Ryan C., 07/03/2023]
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Nearby Offbeat Places
Pretzel City USA, Freeport, IL - 2 mi.
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Blackhawk War Monument - Gravedigger Abe, Kent, IL - 13 mi.In the region:
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Although sculptor Lily Tolpo positioned her statues of the two men on an elevated platform, and tactfully posed Lincoln sitting down, there's no escaping the impression that Douglas was of diminutive height. His scowling face, pointing finger, and less-than-heroic stature leave little doubt with whom the viewer is supposed to empathize, and it isn't with Douglas.