Local History

Quincy Public Library is a great place to learn more about local history. With a wealth of information ranging from Abraham Lincoln’s Quincy connections, to Quincy’s Underground Railroad, to early Mormon church members, and to local records for genealogy research, you’ll be able to find information to help in your search.

Fast Facts:

• Quincy was first settled by John Wood in 1821, and became the county seat when Adams County was formed in 1825.

• Quincy gave refuge to Mormons during the winter of 1838-1839, and local abolitionists helped slaves on the Underground Railroad.

• In 1853, U.S. Congress designated Quincy as a port of entry for foreign goods, and by late 1850s, nearly 3000 steamboats were delivering to Quincy’s riverfront.

• Quincy was the site of the sixth Lincoln-Douglas debate during the Senate race of 1858, which was attended by a crowd of more than 12,000 people.

• By 1870, Quincy had become the second largest city in Illinois with a population of 24,000.

• Many business and industries had their start in Quincy, and some continue to flourish here, though others eventually closed or were bought by other companies. Some of the well-known companies in Quincy include: Collins Plow Company, Comstock-Castle Stove Company, E.M. Miller Carriage Company, Gardner Denver Incorporated, Gates Radio Company, Irwin Paper Company, and Moorman Manufacturing.

QPL’s Reference Librarians can assist you in locating the resources you’re looking for. Stop at the ASK HERE desk for more information.