Illinois’ Role in the Underground Railroad: Task Force Report Highlights Historical Insights

Springfield, IL – Slaves traveled north using a secret network known as the Underground Railroad.

State Senator Dave Koehler from Peoria leads a task force studying Illinois’ role in this important part of history. He emphasizes that history has both positive and negative aspects. Koehler noted, “The race riots in Springfield helped create the NAACP, which will now receive national historic recognition.”

The task force compiled a report over a month and urges the Illinois General Assembly to consider its findings.

For more details, you can view the Underground Railroad Task Force Findings.