Federal Environmental Justice Tracker

EJ Tracker Update

President Biden Designated Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

Last updated:

August 16, 2024

Authority

Antiquities Act

Agencies

White House

Actions

Presidential Proclamation

The White House established a new national monument recognizing the Springfield 1908 Race Riot. The White House press release explained the new designation, “will tell the story of a horrific attack by a white mob on a Black community that was representative of the racism, intimidation, and violence that Black Americans experienced across the country. National outrage at the attack – which occurred just blocks away from President Abraham Lincoln’s home – spurred action on civil rights, including the creation of the organization now known as the NAACP.” The monument will protect 1.57 acres of land in Springfield, Illinois.