National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Find a National Park Near You
Lincoln Home National Historic Site Explore the neighborhood surrounding Lincoln's home
view map
text size: largest larger normal
printer friendly
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
America's Strength

September 11, 1858: From a Speech at Edwardsville, Illinois 

What constitutes the bulwark of our own liberty and independence? It is not our frowning battlements, our bristling sea coasts, the guns of our war steamers, or the strength of our gallant and disciplined army. These are not the reliance against the resumption of tyranny in our fair land. All of them may be turned against our liberties, without making us stronger or weaker for the struggle. Our reliance is in the love of liberty which God has planted in our bosoms. Our defense is the preservation of the spirit which prizes liberty as the heritage of all men, in all lands, every where.

Back to Quotes from Speeches and Letters 

Back to History and Culture

You are exiting the National Park Service website

Thank you for visiting our site.

You will now be redirected to:

We hope your visit was informative and enjoyable.
Election Flag, 1864

Did You Know?
Lincoln insisted on having the 1864 election in the midst of war. "You can not have free government without elections...if the rebellion could force us to forgo a national election, it might fairly claim to have already conquered and ruined us." Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Illinois
Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: September 18, 2007 at 17:33 MST