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Last updated 10:37 pm CT February 08, 2010.
Historical Statues in Jonesboro
Last week, life-size statues of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas were erected in this Jonesboro park in honor of a Senate debate between the two men that was held here 150 years ago.
City officials say the pair of bronze statues cost about $75,000.
Duane Hilleman and his wife were in charge of raising the funds.
"There's all kinds of stories about him being in southern Illinois, deep southern illinois but this is the only documented one that historians can prove," Duane said.
Duane and his wife, Linda, are co-chairs for a September celebration of the debate of 1858. That visit has been commemerated every 50 years. In 1908 a rock was placed near the spot where Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas spoke, and in 1958 a plaque was erected.
Duane and Linda traveled all over looking for inspiration on what to do here for the 150th anniversary, that's how they came up with doing life size statues.
"We wanted to have a photo opportunity here for individuals, families, groups that come out here," Duane said.
Most of the money was raised thanks to a grant from the Lincoln Bicenntenial Committee.
"When we heard they had grants available, we applied," said Linda. "And they decided this was an important event that ought to be funded."
The Hilemans received over $60,000 for the project.
And although Lincoln didn't win the election back in 1858, he did become a household name.
"The things he said in those debates, the House divided speech and those debates are still quoted," said Linda.
Meanwhile, Duane and Linda say they aren't finished yet.
By September, they hope to add more to this site.
"We're going to add a brick courtyard with benches and an intrepretive sign that tells about Lincoln's time here in Union County," Linda said.
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