Events Archive

Lincoln-Douglas Sesquicentennial Archive

We’re proud that Mr. Lincoln’s size 14 boots walked Quincy’s streets enroute to the Presidency and civil sainthood. We will be recreating many of the moments he shared with Quincyans on the journey. Please go to our Events Page for information about events presented by the Quincy Lincoln Bicentennial Commission in honor of the Great Debate between Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Douglas in Washington Square on Wednesday, October 13, 1858, .

2007
*September*	Donors Mark Eliza Caldwell Browning’s Grave
*October*
7	Community Leaders Announce Bicentennial Plans
2008
*February*
3	Quincy Stations on the Underground Railroad. Gardner Museum of Architecture and Design.
8	Lincoln Symposium
11	Lewis Powell: Lincoln Murder Conspirator. Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County
14	Thursdays with Lincoln Lecture Series. Quincy Public Library.
17	A Soldier’s Story of the Illinoiis 29th. Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County.
17	Civil War Ball. The Mississippi Thespians
24	Aaron Copeland’s “Lincoln Portrait”
*March*
9	“If You Lived in Lincoln’s Time,” A Contra Dance.
9	“Elijah Lovejoy: Martyr.” An Original Composition, Quincy Symphony Orchestra.
*April*
12	Dogwood Parade Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce
19	Douglas Symposium
*September*
6	Mud, Mystics and Molasses. . .Lincoln and Douglas Come to Quincy, a play by Illinois Playwright Ken Bradbury, written for the People of Quincy and honoring the Sixth Lincoln Douglas Debate, Wednesday, October 13, 1858. – Go to Play – Go to Slides to Accompany Play – Meet Playwright Ken Bradbury – Meet the Play’s Cast
13	Great Debate Books Speakers Series: examining influences of Quincy and its citizens on the contestants for Illinois’ Senate seat in 1858. “Douglas’s Quincy Quest,” Reg Ankrom “Context, Setting and Contestants of Quincy’s Great Debate,” Dr. David Costigan.
18	Great Debate Books Speakers Series: examining influences of Quincy and its citizens on the contestants for Illinois’ Senate seat in 1858. “Raccoons and Politicians,” Phil Germann “From Obscurity to Honor: Lincoln’s Rise,” Rob Mellon
20	Great Debate Books Speakers Series: examining influences of Quincy and its citizens on the contestants for Illinois’ Senate seat in 1858. “Harriett Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin and the Work of Moving a Nation,” Dr. Joe Messina “Lincoln’s Rum Sweat,” Iris Nelson.
All Month	Historic Quincy Business District businesses focus on Lincoln and Douglas in “It’s All About You in the District” throughout the month.

Walking where Lincoln Walked

City of Quincy Lincoln Bicentennial Commission 706 Maine Quincy, Illinois 62301

“Reunion Tour 2008”

Spirit of Lincoln,
Douglas Returns
To Cities That
Hosted ‘58 Debates

The characters of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas return to the Illinois cities that hosted them for what were called then – and now – the most important series of debates in American history.

Their return is part of Illinois and Quincy’s celebration in a “Reunion Tour 2008” of the Sesquicentennial of the Lincoln Douglas contest.

Quincy will reunite Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas, whose Sixth Debate in the city’s Washington Park occurred October 13, 1858. Re-enactors George Buss as Lincoln and Tim Connor as Douglas will portray the political giants during a visit October 11 - 13 for a series of events open to the public. For a look at “Reunion Tour” events planned by other debate cities, click the city names at left.