Charleston in Coles County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Charleston Riot

Photographed By Jason Voigt, December 15, 2021

1. The Charleston Riot Marker

Inscription. On March 28, 1864, a gunfight erupted here between Union soldiers and Civil War opponents known as "copperheads." In eastern Illinois the Republicans were uniformly pro-Union, but many Democrats were pro-Southern.

Disturbances had occurred earlier in the area, and copperheads had been killed in Mattoon and Paris. At Charleston there had been a highly controversial trial of Union deserters in March, 1863. On the day of the riot, in 1864, a large crowd gathered here for a Democratic rally. Union soldiers were in town on leave. Drinking and fighting led to gunfire. Nine men were killed and twelve wounded.

Erected 1977 by the Coles County Historical Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 28, 1864.

Location. 39° 29.683′ N, 88° 10.486′ W. Marker is in Charleston, Illinois, in Coles County. Marker is at the intersection of 7th Street and Jackson Avenue, on the left when traveling north on 7th Street. Marker is at the southeastern corner of Coles County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 651 Jackson Avenue, Charleston IL 61920, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8

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other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Coles County Courthouse (a few steps from this marker); Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District (within shouting distance of this marker); Coles County War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Tribute of Coles County in Honor of Her Sons Who Fought for the Union (within shouting distance of this marker); Rally After the Debate / Lincoln in Coles County (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lincoln-Douglas Debate at Charleston (approx. 0.7 miles away); Moore House (approx. 7.1 miles away); The Reuben Moore Home (approx. 7.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, December 15, 2021

2. The Charleston Riot Marker

Marker is at the corner of Coles County Courthouse (by a tree).

Credits. This page was last revised on December 15, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 430 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 15, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.