Abraham Lincoln Statue

Mural and Statue Safari Stop #5

"The Hon. Abe Lincoln is on Kansas soil," read the missive sent to The New York Tribune to honor the occasion. "To-day, at noon, he arrives in Leavenworth; let us give the gallant champion of Freedom a reception befitting his great talents, his staring eloquence, his noble-hearted devotion to cause of Liberty.”

When Abraham Lincoln arrived in Leavenworth on Dec. 3, 1859, the region was already known as a lightning rod for both proponents and opponents of slavery; abolitionist John Brown, a central figure of the "Bleeding Kansas" era, had been publicly executed the day before. "Old John Brown has just been executed for treason against a state," Lincoln noted in the first speech of his visit -- thought to be his first presidential campaign speech -- at Leavenworth's Stockton Hall. "We cannot object, even though he agreed with us in thinking slavery wrong."

On Dec. 5, an estimated 1,500 people gathered to hear Lincoln speak from the steps of the Planters Hotel, a Leavenworth meeting spot known for hosting pro-slavery groups. "Fellow Republicans, do not capitulate to Southern demands to recognize slavery as being right, but to stand by our duty, fearlessly and effectively," he urged the crowd. "We do, in common with our fathers, who framed the Government under which we live, declare our belief that slavery is wrong."

This statue on the front lawn of City Hall was sculpted by Martin Leo Pyle and unveiled in December 2009, marking the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's Leavenworth visit. Additional Lincoln mementos can be found at Fort Leavenworth's Frontier Army Museum, which showcases the sleigh that carried the future president between campaign stops, and the special collections at the University of St. Mary's Keleher Learning Commons, with several items written or signed by Lincoln, including a copy of the 13th Amendment. And, though the Planters Hotel is long gone, the "Lincoln Steps" were relocated to the Leavenworth County Historical Society, should any visitors want to take a few photos or practice their public speaking.