Stephenson County

Stephenson County. Covers 568 square miles. Takes its name from Colonel Benjamin Stephenson, who served as a colonel in the War of 1812 in the Illinois Militia. In 1813 he was appointed adjutant general of the territory. In 1814 Stephenson was elected delegate to Congress, where he served until 1816. Was incorporated March 4, 1837. Has a population of 48,979 Was the site of the second Lincoln-Douglas Debate, August 27, 1858. A bronze statute of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas sits on the famous debate site. Is the birth place to Jane Addams, of Hull-House and the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.