Peoria, Illinois: Lincoln Points To A Line

A beardless bronze Abe stands at ground level, his right index finger pointing to a line etched into the granite slab at his feet. "Lincoln Draws the Line" celebrates a speech made by Lincoln in Peoria in 1854, in which he, by a generous modern-day interpretation, drew a line against the extension of slavery. Even if that's what he had meant, Illinois had banned slavery years earlier, so those on the other side of the line would have had no reason to cheer Abe or this statue.

Address:: 324 Main St., Peoria, IL
Directions:: Midtown, on the southeast corner of NE Jefferson and Main Sts, outside the Peoria County Courthouse.

Results 1 to 2 of 2...

Visitor Tips and News About Lincoln Points To A Line

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Lincoln draws the line.

Lincoln Draws the Line

This statue commemorates Lincoln's speech at the Peoria County Courthouse on October 16, 1854. "In the midst of the struggle against slavery and its extension, here he drew the line against the extension of slavery. Lincoln reaffirmed 'the ancient faith and creed of freedom and justice' upon which this nation was founded."

[Craig Grondfeldt, 02/11/2022]

Lincoln Points to a Line

One of my favorite presidents, if not my favorite. Lincoln had the courage to do what was right not just for his time, but for all time. Half the country violently disagreed with him, but he knew he was on the right side of history. I hope all our leaders will always have the foresight and vision to do what is right for future generations.

[Matt Lopez, 10/26/2020]

You gotta love a good Lincoln statue.

Roadside Presidents App for iPhone. Find this attraction and more: museums, birthplaces, graves of the Chief Execs, first ladies, pets, assassins and wannabes. Prez bios and oddball trivia. Available on the App Store.