Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
Designation: National Monument
Location: Illinois
📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 Weather Information
Summers in Illinois are hot and humid. Winters can be cold and windy.
🚗 Directions
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.
Images
The Illinois State Militia stands in the burned home of a Black resident at the corner of 9th Street and Madison in Springfield.
Credit: Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Two people attempt to extinguish a burning building in 1908.
Credit: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
View of Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument Today
Credit: NPS
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
No hours listed.
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Monday, Apr 6
Sunny
High: 63.7°F | Low: 43.5°F
Humidity: 48%
Wind: 14.5 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.5
Sunrise: 06:34 AM
Sunset: 07:28 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (86%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 41.8°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Tuesday, Apr 7
Patchy rain nearby
High: 49.3°F | Low: 34.2°F
Humidity: 62%
Wind: 12.5 mph
Rain Chance: 75%
UV Index: 1.2
Sunrise: 06:33 AM
Sunset: 07:29 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (79%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 34.8°F
Cloud Cover: 75%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, Apr 8
Cloudy
High: 72.3°F | Low: 38.5°F
Humidity: 60%
Wind: 19.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.4
Sunrise: 06:31 AM
Sunset: 07:30 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (70%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 45.5°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (5)
Freeze Watch issued April 6 at 4:42AM CDT until April 7 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Effective: Apr 6, 2026 5:42am
Expires: Apr 6, 2026 5:00pm
* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 possible.
* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, and west central
Illinois.
* WHEN...From late tonight through Tuesday morning.
* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
plumbing.
Flood Warning issued April 5 at 8:44PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Effective: Apr 5, 2026 9:44pm
Expires: Apr 6, 2026 2:00pm
...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in
Illinois...
Illinois River at Beardstown affecting Morgan, Schuyler, Brown
and Cass Counties.
Illinois River at Peoria affecting Woodford, Tazewell and Peoria
Counties.
Illinois River at Henry affecting Putnam and Marshall Counties.
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in
Illinois...
Illinois River near Havana affecting Mason, Fulton and Cass
Counties.
.The following forecasts are based on observed precipitation, soil
moisture conditions, and forecast precipitation.
* WHAT...Moderate flooding is forecast.
* WHERE...Illinois River at Beardstown.
* WHEN...From late tonight until further notice.
* IMPACTS...At 18.0 feet, Seepage problems begin in the Lost Creek
Drainage and Levee District.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 7:45 PM CDT Sunday the stage was 13.8 feet.
- Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage
just after midnight tonight and continue rising to 18.0 feet
early Saturday afternoon. Additional rises are possible
thereafter.
- Flood stage is 14.0 feet.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flood Warning issued April 6 at 11:45AM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Effective: Apr 6, 2026 12:45pm
Expires: Apr 7, 2026 4:45am
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in
Illinois...
Illinois River at Peoria affecting Peoria, Woodford and Tazewell
Counties.
Illinois River near Havana affecting Mason, Fulton and Cass
Counties.
Illinois River at Beardstown affecting Morgan, Schuyler, Brown
and Cass Counties.
.The following forecasts are based on observed precipitation, soil
moisture conditions, and forecast precipitation.
* WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast.
* WHERE...Illinois River at Beardstown.
* WHEN...Until further notice.
* IMPACTS...At 18.0 feet, Seepage problems begin in the Lost Creek
Drainage and Levee District.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 10:45 AM CDT Monday the stage was 14.2 feet.
- Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours
ending at 10:45 AM CDT Monday was 14.2 feet.
- Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 17.0
feet Saturday evening.
- Flood stage is 14.0 feet.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flood Warning issued April 5 at 8:44PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Effective: Apr 5, 2026 9:44pm
Expires: Apr 6, 2026 2:00pm
...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in
Illinois...
Illinois River at Beardstown affecting Morgan, Schuyler, Brown
and Cass Counties.
Illinois River at Peoria affecting Woodford, Tazewell and Peoria
Counties.
Illinois River at Henry affecting Putnam and Marshall Counties.
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in
Illinois...
Illinois River near Havana affecting Mason, Fulton and Cass
Counties.
.The following forecasts are based on observed precipitation, soil
moisture conditions, and forecast precipitation.
* WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is
forecast.
* WHERE...Illinois River near Havana.
* WHEN...Until further notice.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 7:45 PM CDT Sunday the stage was 14.5 feet.
- Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours
ending at 7:45 PM CDT Sunday was 14.5 feet.
- Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 17.5
feet Friday evening.
- Flood stage is 14.0 feet.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flood Warning issued April 6 at 11:45AM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Effective: Apr 6, 2026 12:45pm
Expires: Apr 7, 2026 4:45am
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in
Illinois...
Illinois River at Peoria affecting Peoria, Woodford and Tazewell
Counties.
Illinois River near Havana affecting Mason, Fulton and Cass
Counties.
Illinois River at Beardstown affecting Morgan, Schuyler, Brown
and Cass Counties.
.The following forecasts are based on observed precipitation, soil
moisture conditions, and forecast precipitation.
* WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is
forecast.
* WHERE...Illinois River near Havana.
* WHEN...Until further notice.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 10:45 AM CDT Monday the stage was 14.9 feet.
- Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours
ending at 10:45 AM CDT Monday was 14.9 feet.
- Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 17.2
feet Friday evening.
- Flood stage is 14.0 feet.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
400 N. 9th Street
Springfield, IL 62702
🏤 Mailing Address:
Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
413 S. 8th Street
Springfield, IL 62701
📞 Voice Phone: (573) 880-3120
✉️ Email: quinn_gilly@nps.gov