Lincoln-Douglas Square

The Lincoln-Douglas Cake Debate.

 

In 1858, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas were running for one of Illinois’ two U.S. Senate seats. In July of that year, Lincoln, a little known lawyer, challenged Douglas, who had held that seat for ten years, to a series of debates. There were seven total debates, one for each of the seven Congressional Districts of Illinois. The seventh and final debate was held in Alton, Illinois on October 15 in front of City Hall. This Alton debate drew national attention and about 6,000 people from Illinois and neighboring states came to see the debate. Douglas won the Senate seat that year however, Lincoln beat Douglas in the race for U.S. President in 1860.

Cake artist - Genevieve Esson

Guest blogger - Diane

Sixty-seven down one hundred eighty-three to go.