Abraham Lincoln in Peoria

The diligent research of Earnest East, a founder of the Peoria Historical Society in 1934 and a Director of the Illinois State Historical Society, forms the basis for this publication celebrating the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth and the 75th anniversary of the Peoria Historical Society. 

Long out of print, East's 1939 publication "Abraham Lincoln Sees Peoria" provides an account of 17 visits, a total East knew to be incomplete. More recent research confirms additional Peoria visits and, in particular, recognizes the significance of Lincoln's 1854 speech in Peoria where he drew the line against expansion of slavery.