1848

On November 2, 1848, Abraham Lincoln appeared in Washington with Anson G. Henry of Springfield stumping for Zachary Taylor in his bid for the presidency.  This appearance of Lincoln in Washington is documented in the 10/27/1848 issue of the Illinois Journal, as well as contemporary Lincoln itineraries.

Charles Anthony arrived in Washington and started the first tin factory.

In 1848, the Illinois & Michigan Canal opened, connecting the Illinois River to the Great Lakes.  This changed Washington in that the addition of distant markets made corn and, later, soybeans marketable crops.  Now Washington farmers could grow more than just wheat.

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