Lincoln in Stark County

At the end of the nation’s most famous senatorial campaign between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas, both men appeared on these courthouse grounds to address the excited citizens of Stark County in 1858. Douglas arrived on October 26 and Lincoln followed on October 27. Both men rode into town at the head of two-mile long parades, had lunch at local hotels, met distinguished guests, and gave their speeches to very large and enthusiastic crowds.

This working 19th century courthouse is one of a handful in Illinois that hosted Lincoln either as a circuit riding lawyer or candidate for elective office. An excellent example of Greek revival architecture, its four massive, two-story Doric columns rise to a majestic cupola, a symbol of democracy visible for miles on the early Illinois prairie. The building was completed at a cost of $10,890 just eight months before Lincoln’s visit.

As a member of the Eleventh General Assembly of Illinois, Lincoln assisted in and voted to create Stark County on March 2, 1839. The county was named for Revolutionary War hero Brigadier General John Stark whose military engagements included Bunker Hill, Trenton, the Battle of Bennington, the Siege of Boston, and the Invasion of Canada.