The city of Shelbyville sits on a bluff that overlooks the Kaskaskia Valley in the midst of America's richest farmland.  With the population of 4,943, located at the dam of Lake Shelbyville, providing attractive opportunities for residents  and visitors. Early settlers developed the area with the help from the Kickapoo Indians.  The city of Shelbyville was founded in 1827, the name was chosen to commemorate Isaac Shelby, a Revolutionary War general.  Abraham Lincoln was a frequent visitor to Shelbyville, while riding his circuit.  The city became host for many of Lincoln's famous debates for civil liberties against Anthony Thornton and election debates against Stephen A. Douglas.