Management

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument was established by presidential proclamation on August 16, 2024.

The National Park Service completed an initial reconnaissance survey of the site in October 2018. It later completed a special resource study, evaluating sites in Springfield for potential inclusion in the National Park System. A special resource study is directed by Congress and evaluates sites against four congressionally established criteria: national significance, suitability, feasibility and the need for National Park Service management. All four criteria must have positive findings for the special resource study to recommend a site inclusion in the National Park System.

Extensive and positive feedback from the public, local leaders, and key stakeholders including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), City of Springfield, and Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS St. John’s Hospital), helped to inform the National Park Service’s evaluation that the archeological site met all four criteria necessary to be considered eligible for inclusion in the National Park System. 

This newest national park was made possible through land donations from the City of Springfield and HSHS St. John’s Hospital with technical support provided by the National Park Foundation. Federal Funds were not spent on the land acquisition.

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