Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
Thunderstorm wind is the standout hazard at this central Illinois monument, with 12 recorded events in Sangamon County — more than three times the frequency of any other weather incident on record here. These fast-moving storms can down tree limbs and send debris across open ground with little warning, making exposed areas near the monument genuinely dangerous during active weather.
Before your visit, download a radar app like RadarScope or enable NOAA Weather Radio alerts on your phone so you catch storm cells before they arrive. If winds pick up suddenly, move away from mature trees and seek hard shelter in your vehicle rather than waiting it out in a tent or under a canopy. Pack ground stakes rated for high-wind use and guy-out your tent fully even on calm-looking afternoons, since Illinois squalls can develop within minutes.
Top recorded hazards in Sangamon County
County dataFrom NOAA Storm Events (2024). Counts of recorded incidents — not all occurred at this park.
- Thunderstorm Wind 12
- Hail 4
- Flash Flood 3
- Funnel Cloud 1
- Flood 1
Gear keyed to this park's risks
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About Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Today, archeological evidence gives a rare glimpse into a community devastated by the race riots of the early 20th century.
Weather
Summers in Illinois are hot and humid. Winters can be cold and windy.