WASHINGTON ( 25News Now ) - A state historical marker was dedicated Saturday commemorating Abraham Lincoln’s visits to the Tazewell County City of Washington.

The ceremony on the city square was held on the anniversary of a visit the 16th president made to Washington in 1858, when he was campaigning for the U.S. Senate. He eventually lost that race to Stephen A. Douglas.

Members of the Washington Bicentennial Committee wanted to have permanent structures that will outlast the celebration. Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman said he has been working with the Illinois State Historical Society for six months to get the marker ready.

Connections to Lincoln makes Central Illinois special, said Ackerman.

“Others desperately want to have some connection to Abraham Lincoln. We don’t need t

See Full Page