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Lincoln Debated Here
In the mid 1800s, Ottawa was a thriving port and industrial city, and a center of government. Washington Square offers a flavor of its nineteenth century culture and architecture.

In October 1858, approximately 40,000 people crowded into Washington Square to watch Lincoln and Douglas begin their series of seven historic debates. The site of the debating platform at the northeast end of Washington Square at the corner of LaFayette and Columbus Streets is marked with a boulder. The Italianate red brick Reddick mansion facing the square now houses the Ottawa Visitors Center, where more information is available.

Architectural Treasures
Across the street, the neoclassical Appellate Court building, built in 1860 demonstrates Ottawa’s prominence in Illinois. Within two blocks of the square are five mid-nineteenth century churches reflecting Ottawa’s mix of American-born residents and immigrant groups. A few blocks to the south, Ottawa’s commercial district clusters around the LaSalle County Courthouse (at Madison and LaSalle Streets), built in 1881-83.

Boy Scout Heritage
The Ottawa Scouting Museum, located at Washington and Canal Streets, a few blocks north and west of Washington Square, has a large collection of scouting memorabilia.