168 Years Later: Remembering Abraham Lincoln at the Centralia House

On Wednesday, September 16, the Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce held its monthly luncheon at the historic Centralia House Restaurant, but this was more than an opportunity to network with other chamber members. The date and location connected us to an important moment in Centralia’s history.

Exactly 168 years earlier, on September 16, 1858, Abraham Lincoln was in Centralia while campaigning for the United States Senate against Senator Stephen A. Douglas. Both men visited the city while the Illinois State Fair was being held here, drawing attention to Centralia during one of the most closely followed political campaigns of the era.

During his time in Centralia, Lincoln wrote letters from the Centralia House. At that point, he was a respected Illinois attorney and former congressman, but he had not yet become the nationally recognized leader we remember today. He would ultimately lose the Senate race to Douglas, but their campaign, and the seven debates centered largely on the future of slavery in the United States, brought Lincoln national attention and helped prepare the way for his presidential campaign two years later.

168 years later, it seemed only fitting to gather in the same building, on the same date, and reflect on the history that took place here. Chamber Executive Director Marcus Holland shared the story with those in attendance, with a special appearance from Abraham Lincoln (Thank you to CHS Principle Reed Shipley for briefly being our Abe)

Thank you to everyone who joined us! It was wonderful to see our members again following another busy Balloon Fest season. As we return to our regular luncheon schedule, please remember that the Chamber is here to help with business marketing, fundraising, community involvement and other business-related questions. We are ready to help!