Many people assume that since Illinois was a northern free state, that there was no slavery here. But it’s a bit more complicated. Chattel slavery in the territorial years, indentured servitude, slavery exemptions in at least five counties, and gradual emancipation all meant that unfree labor was a constant in Illinois leading up to the Civil […]
Illinois was the "Point of Departure" on May 14, 1804, for the Lewis and Clark Expedition that left from the eastern banks of the Mississippi River at the Wood River confluence and began their two and one half year journey to explore the Louisiana Territory and search for a passage to the Pacific Ocean. Illinois is […]
Historian J. Eric Robinson who will tell the story of two women, slaves in the state of Missouri, who escaped to freedom in 1853 via the Underground Railroad in northwestern Madison County.
Join the Madison County Historical Society as they participate in the 28th Annual Leclaire Parkfest on Sunday, October 20, from Noon to 5 p.m. at Leclaire Park on Hale Avenue in Edwardsville, IL. The festival features three bands: Dixieland Jazz by the Riverside Jazz Trio (Noon – 2:30 pm), followed by Bluegrass and other old-time […]
Dining in History (DIH) is an annual MCHS event held at a historic property in Madison County where guests can enjoy a catered dinner and learn about the venue through a program and self-guided tours. The 2019 event was held at the John Wildi Masonic Temple in Highland, Illinois, where visitors explored the history of […]
Stephen Hansen, Emeritus Dean and Professor of Historical Studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will explore the character and personality of Elijah Lovejoy.
