Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route
Lincoln and Douglas Debate, IL

On October 16, 1858, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas had their final debate on a platform in the middle of Alton. At the time, the debate was an event and people traveled from nearby cities to hear the battle of intellect that would occur between two men and a debate style that are still revered today. Visitors can see an artistic rendition of this debate at the Lincoln Douglas Square in Alton where two bronze statues stand as a monument to past politics.