Lincoln and Slavery Mural

Lincoln and Slavery Mural

In 1856, Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech in the Morgan County Courthouse park, now known as Central Park Plaza, sharing his views about one of the hotly debated topics of the day — the extension of slavery into newly organized territories of the United States. Joseph O. King, a local merchant, later recalled Lincoln’s stirring oratory. “One of the first strong antislavery speeches made here was by Abraham Lincoln,” remembered King. “He spoke in the courthouse park, and when he came out sharp and strong against slavery, I threw up my hat and shouted, ‘Hurray for Abe Lincoln for president of the United States.'”

The mural is painted on the side of the building on Sandy Street, at the southwest corner of the downtown square. The exhibit is located on the SW corner of the Historic Downtown Jacksonville Square.

Address
South Sandy Street
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650