Washington Square

Historical marker location:

101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, Illinois

( Marker is at the intersection of Columbus Street (Illinois Route 71) and Jackson Street, on the right when traveling south on Columbus Street.)

Marker installed: 1996

Site of First Lincoln-Douglas Debate.

The state of Illinois played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom in the 19th century. Many abolitionists in Illinois provided safe houses for escaping slaves, and Chicago was a key hub on the Underground Railroad.