Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

Springfield, Illinois

Aftermath of the Springfield Race Riot

Violent racial riot occurred in Abraham Lincoln’s home town.

After a mob of thousands of white rioters destroyed Black homes and businesses and lynched two Black men, civil rights activists established National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) the following year.  As a new National Park site, visitors can view the area that was heavily damaged during the riot.  However, there are no facilities or services available. 

Visitors can experience other activities related to the 1908 race riots and civil rights history in Springfield including the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Springfield, Illinois.