Lincoln-Douglas still debating

No Debate. Alton Illinois is a great weekend getaway.


Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas can still be seen in heated debate, standing in life-size bronzes at the corner of Broadway and Landmarks Blvd. in Alton Illinois. In October 1858, more than 6,000 people gathered at a temporary platform in front of city hall to listen to the three hour senatorial debate. Although Lincoln lost the election for senator, these debates launched him into national prominence, which eventually led to his election as President of the United States.
Stephen Douglas

A crowd of 5,000 gathered on a cloudy day to hear the debate in Alton. The Chicago and Alton Railroad offered half price fare from Springfield and other locations. Round-trip tickets on the steamboat from St. Louis to Alton were a dollar.

The Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail in nearby Alton features 10 historic sites related to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. In addition to the famous Lincoln-Douglas Square, where the last of the great debates took place, visitors can walk in the footsteps of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, as well as Civil War soldiers from both sides of the conflict. The Alton sites include locations where Confederate soldiers were held captive, died and were buried, and where U.S. Senator Lyman Trumbull authored the 13th Amendment, putting an end to slavery in the United States.

Walk the Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail to experience Alton’s 10 historic Lincoln and Civil War sites that shaped American history. Download a trail guide to learn more about Alton’s famous debates, duels, railroads and riverboats.

Begin a walking tour of the Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail at Broadway St. & Landmarks Blvd., Alton, IL 62002, telephone: (618) 465-6676.Trail guides are also available at the Alton Visitors Center at 200 Piasa Street in Downtown Alton.

Other Alton attractions include
Lewis and Clark State Historic Site #1
The first site on the Lewis and Clark trail, it was here that the Corps of Discovery spent five months preparing for the journey.

Pere Marquette State Park
Illinois largest state park’s busiest seasons are during fall colors and eagles watching programs.

Mason Hollow Maple Syrup Tapping
Visit Mason Hollow in Grafton and see how maple trees are tapped, sap collected and cooked down to syrup. email hindelang@gtec.com or call 1-800-258-6645.

Alton is about 33 miles from St Louis, it takes approximately 45 minutes to drive.
From Cape Girardeau to Alton, plan on a drive of 2 hours and 20 minutes. The trip is about 150 miles. Sikeston to Alton is 180 miles or, about 3 hours drive time.

The Illinois Great River Road National Scenic Byway and the Alton area are a scenic drive from southeast Missouri. In March there is still time to see maple syrup making and enjoy a weekend of eagle watching before the summer vacation season begins. The greater Alton area is also known for antique stores and resort activities.

Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau

200 Piasa Street

Alton, IL 62002

(800) 258-6645

www.visitalton.com