Abraham Lincoln Slept Here

Shelbyville, Illinois, the county seat of Shelby County was a bustling pioneer town in the 1840's and 1850's.  It was on the route of the 8th Judicial Circuit, which was the route Abraham Lincoln traveled from Springfield, the State Capital.  While in Shelbyville, Abe would stay at local hotels, called taverns back then. He usually stayed at the Tallman House, which was across the street from the courthouse.  He would request his favorite boiled dinner.  On August 9, 1856, he debated local attorney Anthony Thornton.  This was two years before his famous debates with Stephen Douglas.   Mr. Lincoln was recalled to have placed great emphasis on the subject of slavery and his position of emancipation.  He is quoted as saying "If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong".  This debate has been captured in a beautiful large oil painting by Robert Root which hangs in the local courtroom.  Other paintings by this artist can be found in the Illinois State Capital Building in Springfield, Illinois.  Many local citizens and business persons are working diligently to capture the essence of Lincoln in Shelby County and fundraising efforts continue to fund the creation of life-size bronze statues of Lincoln and Thornton, which will be placed near the courthouse.  It is hoped these will be in place by the 200th anniversary of Mr. Lincoln's birth, which will be February 12, 2009. 

Share This Story With Others:

 

Discuss this Article