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Lincoln Colored Home: A Testament to Resilience

Visit the Lincoln Colored Home in Springfield, IL: A historic landmark preserving African American heritage and a legacy of community and care.

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The Lincoln Colored Home in Springfield, IL, established in 1898 by Eva Carroll Monroe, was one of the first orphanages for African American children in the United States. It provided a safe haven and a place of well-being for Black children and elderly women when other social services were not available to them. Today, the building stands as a reminder of the community's strength and the ongoing need for preservation.

A brief summary to Lincoln Colored Home

  • 427 S 12th St, Springfield, Mather and Wells, Illinois, 62703, US

Local tips

  • Consider visiting during Black History Month to learn more about the history of the Lincoln Colored Home and its significance to the African American community in Springfield.
  • Check local listings for events or tours related to the Lincoln Colored Home, as there are ongoing efforts to restore and promote the site.
  • Explore other nearby historical sites in Springfield, such as the Dana-Thomas House, to gain a broader understanding of the city's history and architecture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Lincoln Colored Home is located at 427 S 12th St, in a mixed residential and commercial area on the eastern edge of downtown Springfield. From the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, head east on E Madison St toward S 6th St. Turn right onto S 11th St, then turn left onto E Jackson St. Finally, turn right onto S 12th St. The Lincoln Colored Home will be on your left. The walk is approximately 0.6 miles and should take about 12 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Springfield Mass Transit District (SMTD) provides bus service throughout the city. Several bus routes have stops near the Lincoln Colored Home. From Union Station, you can take a bus to the intersection of 11th and Jackson, which is a block away from the Home. Check the SMTD website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A day pass costs $3.00.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Springfield. A ride from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to the Lincoln Colored Home, is approximately 0.8 miles and should cost around $8-$12, depending on demand and surge pricing.

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Discover more about Lincoln Colored Home

The Lincoln Colored Home, located at 427 South 12th Street in Springfield, Illinois, is a significant landmark in African American history. Founded in 1898 by Eva Carroll Monroe, it was one of the first orphanages in the nation to serve African American children, who were excluded from other existing orphanages in the city. Monroe, who had moved to Springfield from Kewanee, Illinois, saved $125 to make a down payment on the property, driven by her desire to care for Black orphans. The original building was replaced in 1904. The new building benefitted from the generosity of Mary Lawrence, the widow of a former Springfield mayor. Lawrence, whose daughter Susan Lawrence Dana commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to remodel their family mansion, donated doors, windows, stained glass, and chandeliers from her home to the Lincoln Colored Home. The home was dedicated in Lawrence's memory in 1906. For 35 years, the Lincoln Colored Home provided a safe place for Black children and elderly women, becoming a symbol of cooperation between races in the early 20th century. However, by 1933, changing attitudes towards foster parenting and requirements for college-educated administrators led to the home losing its license and closing its doors. Today, the Lincoln Colored Home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although the building is currently unoccupied and in need of repair, it stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of Eva Carroll Monroe and the African American community in Springfield. Efforts continue to find a contemporary use for the building and preserve its legacy.

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