Washington Park

• Quincy’s first park, “John’s Square”, was established from 1825 to 1858.
• A Lincoln-Douglas Debate site, over 12,000 people came to see Abe Lincoln debate Stephen Douglas here in 1858.
• Lincoln storyboards & plaza is available to view.
• Blues concerts, farmers market (May-Oct, 8a-1p Saturdays), festivals on-site.

Mormon 10 Sites to See Driving Tour: A plaque on the south side of the square (between 4th & 5th Streets) remembers the Mormons who were welcomed by the citizens of Quincy in 1839. This marker also serves to commemorate where the Saints were received and consequently camped after crossing the state line.

Lincoln in Quincy

POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING IN 1858 – WASHINGTON PARK ON N 5TH BETWEEN MAINE & HAMPSHIRE

• How Lincoln and Douglas campaigned before thousands
• Lincoln’s arrival, where he stayed, and his departure
• The second Adams County courthouse near debate site

A QUINCY “COPPERHEAD” – SOUTHWEST CORNER OF 5TH & MAINE

• James W. Singleton becoming Lincoln’s political opponent
• Singleton’s “Copperhead” opposition to the Civil War
• How Singleton helped re-elect Lincoln

LINCOLN’S FRIEND JOHNSTON – BETWEEN 4TH STREET & FOUNTAIN IN WASHINGTON PARK

• Andrew Johnston’s personal and political ties with Lincoln
• The publishing of two poems by Lincoln in the Quincy Whig
• A strongly partisan Whig then Republican newspaper

WASHINGTON PARK ON HAMPSHIRE BETWEEN N 4TH & N 5TH

QUINCY’S JUDGE DOUGLAS (Side 1)

• The political career of Lincoln’s lifelong political opponent
• How Douglas earned the nickname, “The Little Giant”
• Douglas “courting” the Mormon vote and living in Quincy

DOUGLAS DISCIPLE (Side 2)

• William A. Richardson’s close ties with Lincoln & Douglas
• How two Quincyans passed the 1854 Kansas-Nebraska Act
• Lincoln’s respect for Richardson’s loyalty to Douglas

WASHINGTON PARK ON HAMPSHIRE BETWEEN N 4TH & N 5TH

LINCOLN’S QUINCY (Side 1)

• The reasons Quincy become the third largest city in IL
• How the Military Tract brought Lincoln friends to Quincy
• Quincy’s importance as a Civil War gateway to the South

DOWNTOWN QUINCY IN 1858 (Side 2)

• A new railroad station & manufacturing near Quincy Bay
• The vibrant commercial district around the public square
• The Quincy House, the social and commercial center

WASHINGTON PARK ON SOUTHWEST CORNER OF 5TH & HAMPSHIRE

LINCOLN CORRESPONDENT (Side 1)

• The four debate questions Henry Asbury provided Lincoln
• Asbury’s suggestion of Lincoln as a presidential candidate
• Presidential appointments of Asbury by Taylor and Lincoln

LINCOLN PROMOTER (Side 2)

• Abraham Jonas’ numerous efforts as a Lincoln supporter
• Arranging for the Quincy debate and introducing Lincoln
• His endorsement of Lincoln for President in the late 1858