Springfield Illinois 11th And Madison Street Race War Riot Destruction 1908 Real Photo Postcard

The postcard captures the devastation following the Springfield Race War of August 14-16, 1908, an intense period of racial violence in Springfield, Illinois. Fueled by false accusations against Black men, a white mob attacked the city's Black community, resulting in widespread destruction of homes and businesses, numerous injuries, and several deaths, including two lynchings. The scene at S.E. Corner 11th and Madison shows the substantial material damage inflicted during these riots.