Chromium forms many colorful compounds that have industrial uses. Lead chromate (PbCrO4), also known as chrome yellow, has been used as a yellow pigment in paints. Chromic oxide (Cr2O3), also known as chrome green, is the ninth most abundant compound in the earth's crust and is a widely used green pigment. Rubies and emeralds also owe their colors to chromium compounds.
The debates between Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln have been described as the most famous war of words in history.. The two men, the Democratic Little Giant and the Republican Tall Giant, met for a series of debates throughout Illinois.
Although Lincoln would lose the Senate race in 1858, he would beat Douglas out in the 1860 race for the US Presidency. The Lincoln-Douglas debates were re-enacted in the Fall of 1994 with live coverage by CSPAN. Washington Square, Ottawa, Illinois.