Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

Historic photo of militia members standing in the remains of a burned building.
The Illinois State Militia stands in the burned home of a Black resident at the corner of 9th Street and Madison in Springfield.
Historic photo of two people using a hose to extinguish a burning building.
Two people attempt to extinguish a burning building in 1908.
A narrow grassy lot surrounded by fence.
View of Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument Today
Photos: National Park Service

About Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Today, archeological evidence gives a rare glimpse into a community devastated by the race riots of the early 20th century.

Plan a Visit

NPS DesignationNational Monument
Park State / Territory MembershipIllinois
Current Alerts0
Visitor Centers0
Campgrounds0
Things To Do0

Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.

Weather & Conditions

Summers in Illinois are hot and humid. Winters can be cold and windy.

NPS Reference Location

Park state / territory membership: Illinois. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.

Getting There

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument is a new national park located in central Springfield, Illinois. No facilities or services are available. The park is currently surrounded by a construction project and visiting is not advised.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.

NPS-Listed Address400 N. 9th Street, Springfield, IL, 62702

Topics & Themes

African American HeritageArcheologyColonization and SettlementCommerceSocial MovementsCivil RightsTragic EventsMassacresUrban America

Nearby Cities for Trip Planning

These cities are ordered by straight-line distance from the NPS reference coordinate. They are comparison starting points, not official park gateways or road-distance estimates. Trails and other distributed units may extend far beyond this reference point.

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