This is the site where the 7th and final Lincoln-Douglas debate occurred, in Alton, Illinois, October 15, 1858.
I took my dad over to see the Mississippi River flooding, which is considerable, but I love history and this was compelling.
Nerd alert (feel free to skip): In advance of the US Civil War, Abraham Lincoln debated Illinois Senator Stephen Douglas on the main issue of the day - slavery. The short guy is Douglas; the tall guy is Lincoln. Douglas was the famous person; Lincoln was trying to make his name.
They travelled all around the midwest, debating. Alton's City Hall stood here and was the site of the debate, but it burned down later. Apparently, about 6,000 people showed up for this debate.
Douglas advocated for "popular sovereignty" - the right of the states to do what each pleased, on the slavery issue... Lincoln advocated for strong federal action on this issue, saying "a house divided against itself, cannot stand."
Two years later, in 1860, Lincoln won the presidency over Douglas, just in time to serve as Commander in Chief during the Civil War.
State's rights v. Federal control - We see this "push-me, pull-you" of government playing out every day, all across the world.
On the flooding issue - behind the statues, you see the water up over the road.
10/1/2020: Finished year 7 (!), with continuing gratitude towards this amazing community. Based in St. Louis, MO. Regular worker-bee and self-taught photography dilettante....
No nerd alert needed Rosie, all very interesting and adds to my unfortunately small knowledge of US history. Your comment on politics rings very true in Australia.
