The citizens of Peoria were sharply divided on the issue of slavery.  Many abolition rallies were met with resistance from Southern sympathizers.  The Jefferson Street home of Moses Pettengill, a wealthy local merchant, was a station on the Underground Railroad

Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas gave impassioned speeches on the courthouse steps regarding the issue of slavery.  The three hour speech Lincoln gave is considered a landmark in his career and established the foundation for the principles of self-government and liberty for all people that would carry him to the White House six years later.

The day the Civil War began, Peoria Mayor William Willard led a war recruitment rally for eager volunteers.  Camp Lyon, where 7500 Union soldiers were trained, was established at the west gate of Glen Oak Park. 

Camp Peoria was organized near Adams and Mary Streets.

     In all, 536 Peoria County men gave their lives for the preservation of the Union.

Text provided by Dr. Peter J. Couri, Jr. for the Peoria brochure commemorating the Peoria Area Tricentennial Celebration, September 1991-September 1992.