East St. Louis in St. Clair County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

S. 8th St. and E. Broadway

Remembering the 1917 East St. Louis Race Riot

Photographed By Jason Voigt, October 1, 2019

1. S. 8th St. and E. Broadway Marker

Top of the Gateway Arch is seen in the background

Inscription. Otto Nelson lived here, the only African American detective on the police force. His home was destroyed and he fled to St. Louis.

Erected 2017 by The East St. Louis 1917 Centennial Commission & Cultural Initiative, the Meridian Society, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. (Marker Number 8.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Remembering the 1917 East St. Louis Race Riot series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 2, 1917.

Location. 38° 37.316′ N, 90° 9.499′ W. Marker is in East St. Louis, Illinois, in St. Clair County. Marker is at the intersection of North 8th Street (Illinois Route 15) and East Broadway (Illinois Route 15), on the right when traveling west on North 8th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: East Saint Louis IL 62201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 700 East Broadway (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); S. 8th St. and Brady Ave. (approx. 0.2 miles away); S. 6th St. and Railroad Ave. (approx. 0.2 miles away); East St. Louis Race Massacre, July 1917 (approx. ¼ mile away); S. 5th St. and Railroad Ave.

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(approx. ¼ mile away); S. 4th St. and E. Broadway (approx. ¼ mile away); N. 4th St. and Division Ave. (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named S. 4th St. and E. Broadway (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in East St. Louis.

Regarding S. 8th St. and E. Broadway. Nelson lived at 741a East Broadway, near the Opera House. As the marker states, he was the only African American detective but during the riot, the city turned against him. He and his wife were forced to hide in the weeds as their home was destroyed. When the path was clear, they worked their way toward the Eads Bridge, where they found themselves in a stream of African Americans heading over the bridge to safety.

Source: McCoy's directory, 441

Photographed By Jason Voigt, October 1, 2019

2. S. 8th St. and E. Broadway Marker

Marker stands in front of an empty lot

Credits. This page was last revised on November 6, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 281 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 6, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.