Old Aristocracy Hill in Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
"We Are American Citizens"
Photographed by Thomas Smith, September 22, 2025
1. "We Are American Citizens" Marker
John Jones (1816-1879), a leader of Chicago's African American community led efforts to repeal Illinois so-called Black Laws, which barred people of color from basic rights of citizenship.
Born in North Carolina to a free black mother and a white father, Jones moved to Chicago in 1845, where he established a thriving business. two-year later, Jones began work to remove references to race from Illinois's laws.
Following statewide elections in November 1864, Jones issued an "Appeal to the people of Illinois," calling for the state legislature to repeal the Black Laws and recognize basic human rights for people of color. He wrote:
"By the principles of the Declaration of Independence, we are American citizens; within the meaning of the United States Constitution, we are American citizens; by the facts of history and the admissions of American statesmen, we are American citizens; by the hardships and traits endured, by the courage and fidelity displayed by our ancestors in defending the liberties and in achieving the independence of our land. we are American citizens."
As members of the legislature arrived at the Illinois Capital (today the Old State Capital State Historic Site) they found Jones lobbying in a way that even opponents admired. After long debates
this page online
John Jones continued to be a leader of Chicago black community eventually holding public office something which would have been impossible under the Black Laws.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.
Location. 39° 47.835′ N, 89° 38.942′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. It is in Old Aristocracy Hill. It is at the intersection of South 5th Street and East Jackson Street when traveling south on South 5th Street. Bicentennial Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 522 S 5th St, Springfield IL 62701, 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 least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The 21-Star Flag (here, next to this marker); "An Agreeable Assemblage of Dwelling Houses" (here, next to this marker); Three First Ladies Make a Difference (here, next to this marker); Architect of the People's House (here, next to this marker); A Place of Many Peoples (here, next to this marker); "Let Us Own Ourselves, Our Earning, Our Genius" (here, next to this marker);
Photographed by Thomas Smith, September 22, 2025
2. "We Are American Citizens" Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2025, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 51 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 11, 2025, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Transcription of The Illinois Black Laws section of the marker. • A clearer, more legible photo of the marker. • Can you help?
