In Freeport, Illinois, just beyond the somnolent downtown, a small park near the Pecatonica River is wedged next to the public library. In the mid-19th century, however, land along the shore stretched ...

Introduction: From Lincoln and Douglas to Nixon and Kennedy -- The least man I ever saw -- Take care of your old Whigs -- A David greater than Goliath -- For God's sake, Linder, come up -- In the face ...

Lincoln and incumbent senator Douglas squared off, of course, in the most famous debates in American history. The Illinois encounters would reshape the nation's bitter argument over slavery, transform ...