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 The site, which is operated by the
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), is one of 17 new
listings from the 43rd round of applications, representing sites and
programs in 13 states across the United States. The new listings,
alongside more than 700 sites, facilities and programs already in
the Network, provide insight into the diverse experiences of freedom
seekers who bravely escaped slavery and allies who assisted them.
“I’m proud to see the Old State Capitol recognized for its
historical significance and look forward to the site educating each
new generation on the atrocities of our past and our continued fight
for equity,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Illinois had an important
and complex role in the abolitionist movement and the fight for
freedom, and we need to share that history – the good and the bad –
to understand where we’ve been and who we should aspire to be.”
“The people of Illinois deserve to understand and appreciate the
history of struggle and legacy of resilience the Underground
Railroad represents, as well as the brave in our state who played a
role in the journey to freedom,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton.
“The Old State Capitol's inclusion in the National Underground
Railroad Network of Freedom ensures this past will be honored and
preserved so we may continue to learn from it and be inspired to
keep moving forward.”
The Old State Capitol served as the seat of the Illinois Supreme
Court from 1841 to 1872. During this time, the Court heard several
cases that effected freedom seekers and allies operating within
Illinois’ Underground Railroad. At least two cases were heard
condemning allies who assisted freedom seekers: Eells v. The People
and Willard v. The People, both of which ended in the court fining
the “conductors.”
A third case, known only as
Thornton’s Case, was brought by a Black man named Thornton who
argued that a local constable wrongfully arrested him and that he
should be freed. Because the local constable could not provide
evidence to prove otherwise, the Illinois Supreme Court dropped the
charges against Thornton and discharged him from custody.
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“We are thankful to the team members who conducted the research
on this project and collaborated to create a successful nomination,” said IDNR
Director Colleen Callahan. “Thanks to their excellent work on behalf of history,
we can now see the legal activity in the Old State Capitol included direct
connections to the Underground Railroad.
“The bravery of freedom seekers and their allies inspired us to nominate the Old
State Capitol for the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom,” said
Old State Capitol site superintendent Justin Blandford. “Joining the Network is
part of our ongoing effort to uplift more voices in history and share a more
rich and accurate picture of the past.”
The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom serves to honor, preserve
and promote the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight,
which continues to inspire people worldwide. The Network currently represents
more than 700 locations in 39 states, plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin
Islands. Through its mission, the Network to Freedom helps to advance the idea
that all human beings embrace the right to self-determination and freedom from
oppression.
“Each Underground Railroad story documented by the Network to Freedom Program
explains the harrowing risks people took to liberate themselves from an unjust
system of oppression,” said national program manager Diane Miller. “The
resilience and bravery of freedom seekers and their allies continues to inspire
the Network to Freedom’s work. Alongside our members, new and old, we will
continue to ensure that their stories are not lost to history.”
The Old State Capitol is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more or plan
a visit, please visit https://bit.ly/IDNRosc.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |
