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.
This event is a stark illustration of the virulent racial prejudice and mob violence prevalent in the United States during the early 20th century. Despite taking place in the symbolic home of Abraham Lincoln, the riots highlighted the severe racial injustices that continued decades after the Civil War. The national outrage sparked by the Springfield Race War was a direct catalyst for the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909, marking a pivotal moment in the organized struggle for civil rights.
This event is a stark illustration of the virulent racial prejudice and mob violence prevalent in the United States during the early 20th century. Despite taking place in the symbolic home of Abraham Lincoln, the riots highlighted the severe racial injustices that continued decades after the Civil War. The national outrage sparked by the Springfield Race War was a direct catalyst for the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909, marking a pivotal moment in the organized struggle for civil rights.
