East St. Louis Township in St. Clair County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
East St. Louis Race Massacre, July 1917
The Illinois Attorney General estimated the death toll was "probably one hundred." The actual number will never be known. Some elected officials, who were sworn to protect the public, joined in the carnage. Others ignored the violence unfolding in front of them. It took 12 hours for the Illinois state militia to restore order.
Congress investigated and issued a scathing report about corruption and lawlessness in East St. Louis. W.E.B. DuBois led the NAACP's investigation. Marcus Garvey and Theodore Roosevelt spoke out on the atrocity. Ida B. Wells visited the riot scene. After helping displaced blacks, she provided a first-hand account to the Negro Fellowship League in Chicago.
The white rioter who organized the shooters was sentenced to prison. Most others escaped justice. However, Dr. Leroy Bundy, a black man, received a life sentence for causing the race riot. The Illinois Supreme Court recognized the injustice and remanded the case, functionally setting him free.
Limited reparations were paid in 1921 mainly for white business owners. The community still searches for justice.
Erected 2023 by the East St. Louis Historical Society, the Illinois State Historical Society, the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and local donors and supporters.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Law Enforcement • Women. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 2, 1917.
Location. 38° 37.312′ N, 90° 9.771′ W. Marker is in East St. Louis, Illinois, in St. Clair County. It is in East St. Louis Township. Marker can be reached from James R Thompson Boulevard south of South 5th Street. Marker is located on the Wyvetter Younge Higher Education Campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 601 James R Thompson Blvd, 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. S. 6th St. and Railroad Ave. (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); S. 5th St. and Railroad Ave. (about 500 feet away); S. 4th St. and Railroad Ave. (about 700 feet away); S. 8th St. and Brady Ave. (approx. 0.2 miles away); S. 4th St. and E. Broadway (approx. 0.2 miles away); 700 East Broadway (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named S. 4th St. and E. Broadway (approx. ¼ mile away); S. 8th St. and E. Broadway (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in East St. Louis.
More about this marker. Marker was dedicated in a ceremony on July 2, 2023 (even though it says 2022 on it).
Regarding East St. Louis Race Massacre, July 1917. Marker is inaccessible during off-hours. The school campus is usually gated when it is closed.
Also see . . .
1. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (East St. Louis campus). (Submitted on July 14, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
2. East St. Louis massacre on Wikipedia. (Submitted on July 14, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 261 times since then and 188 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 14, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.