Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

On August 24, 2024, President Joe Biden signed a proclamation establishing the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument. This momentous event, marks a significant step in acknowledging and addressing the racial injustices of the past.

The Springfield 1908 Race Riot was a tragic chapter in American history. It began with the wrongful accusation of a Black man, George Richardson, of assaulting a white woman, and escalated into a violent racial riot. Over the course of several days, white mobs terrorized Black residents, resulting in the destruction of homes and businesses and the deaths of numerous African Americans. The riot underscored the deeply entrenched racism and social tensions of the era, leaving a legacy of pain and division that still echoes today.

At the signing ceremony, President Biden delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of confronting historical wrongs. He described the new national monument as a symbol of remembrance and a commitment to justice. “This monument is more than just a place; it’s a testament to our nation’s resolve to confront our past, honor those who suffered, and ensure that the lessons of history are never forgotten,” Biden stated. His speech highlighted the administration’s broader efforts to address systemic racism and promote equality.

The decision to designate the Springfield site as a national monument follows years of advocacy from local activists, historians, and community leaders who have sought to ensure that the memory of the 1908 race riot is preserved. The monument will include a visitor center with exhibits detailing the events of the riot, personal stories from survivors, and a reflection space for contemplation and dialogue. This initiative is part of a larger effort by the Biden administration to recognize and commemorate sites of historical injustice across the country.

Biden’s signing of the proclamation also underscores his administration’s commitment to racial reconciliation and education. By officially recognizing the Springfield 1908 Race Riot as a national monument, the administration aims to foster a deeper understanding of America’s complex history and promote a more inclusive narrative.

The Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument will serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences of racial hatred and the importance of building a more just society. The monument will offer visitors a space to reflect on the past while inspiring ongoing efforts towards racial equity. As President Biden noted, “This is a step towards healing, a way to honor those who suffered, and a commitment to ensuring that future generations understand the full story of our nation’s history.”

The national monument is located where the violent assault began, in the Badlands neighborhood, and includes the foundations of five houses destroyed in the Springfield 1908 Race Riot. Over the coming years, the National Park Service (NPS) will work with the local community and partners to plan for interpretation, commemoration, historic preservation, and visitor experiences. The national monument includes 1.57 acres of federal land, made possible through land donations from the City of Springfield and St. John’s Hospital of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, and with support from the National Park Foundation. The monument boundary encompasses additional lands where the riot occurred that may be donated to the NPS at a future date.

The designation of the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument represents a significant milestone in the ongoing journey of reckoning with America’s past and striving for a more equitable future.