Oak Ridge in Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

John Riley Tanner (1844 - 1901)

John Riley Tanner Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, September 6, 2022

1. John Riley Tanner Marker

Inscription. Illinois governor, 1897-1901, known for fair treatment of organized labor and African-Americans. Donations from both groups helped build this monument.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Labor Unions. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.

Location. 39° 49.309′ N, 89° 39.321′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. It is in Oak Ridge. It is on Monument Avenue, on the left. The location of the marker is Oak Ridge cemetery. After entering through the arch, follow the signs to Lincoln's tomb. The marker is .1 mile on the left. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1500 Monument Avenue, Springfield IL 62702, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At

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least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Receiving Vault (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Lincoln's Tomb (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Reconstruction and Renovation (about 400 feet away); Building the Lincoln Tomb (about 400 feet away); The Lincoln Tomb Custodian's Residence (about 600 feet away); The Temporary Vault (about 600 feet away); Lincoln’s Tomb (about 700 feet away); First Resting Place of Abraham Lincoln (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

Other markers no longer nearby. The Lincoln Descendants (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Some Exterior Features (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Temporary Tombs (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing); The Grave of Abraham Lincoln (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . John Riley Tanner (Wikipedia). Overview:

John Riley Tanner (April 4, 1844 – May 23, 1901) was the 21st Governor of Illinois, from 1897 until 1901.

Tanner was the first governor in the country
Photographed by Jason Voigt

2. John Riley Tanner (1844 - 1901) Marker
to be openly neutral in labor disputes, gaining national notoriety for his actions in a series of coal mine disputes. With the Spanish–American War looming, he was the only governor to raise and combat-equip a National Guard unit of African American soldiers led by African American officers.

Tanner's administration was capable and efficient, placing the state on a sound financial footing and passing significant legislation. However, he was constantly at odds with Chicago's political leaders, both Democratic and Republican, a feud that came to be symbolized by his signing of the infamous "Allen bill", which gave control of Chicago's intra-city transportation network to corrupt financier Charles Yerkes.

Tanner declined to seek a second term as governor, instead choosing to oppose the renomination of his former political ally, Shelby Cullom, as U.S. Senator. Tanner was badly defeated within his own party, ending his political career. He died less than five months after leaving office.

(Submitted on December 27, 2024.)

John Riley Tanner Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, September 6, 2022

3. John Riley Tanner Monument

John Riley Tanner tomb image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, September 6, 2022

4. John Riley Tanner tomb

Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 270 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 27, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. 2. submitted on March 7, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 3, 4. submitted on November 27, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.