Little aFrica
Underground Railroad Site Near the Jacksonville African American History Museum
Established: Early 1800s
Location: Southern Jacksonville, Illinois
Primary Streets: Ave College St (W. Beecher Ave), Anna St, S. Church St, S. West St
Population: Approximately 156 residents by 1860
Known For: African American settlement; Underground Railroad support
SUMMARY
“Little Africa,” also known simply as “Africa,” was a historic African American neighborhood in Jacksonville, Illinois during the 19th century. Located in the southern part of the city, the community became a center of Black life, culture, and resistance, where many formerly enslaved individuals built new lives and helped aid freedom seekers traveling along the Underground Railroad.
2008
Posthumous recognition by medical society
1940
Hospital reached peak scale and regional impact
1933
Moved to Springfield; founded newspaper
1922
Hospital reached peak scale and regional impact
1909
Opened New Home Sanitarium
1897 - 1902
Served at Tuskegee Institute
1875
Born in Shorter, Alabama
EARLY 1800s
african american community begins forming in southern jacksonville
1830s - 1840s
Growth alongside early settlement and migration
MID-1800s
Active role in supporting Underground Railroad efforts
1860
Population reaches approximately 156 residents
LATE 1800s
Community evolves as Jacksonville continues to grow
Origins of the Community
In the early 19th century, a small African American community formed in southern Jacksonville, Illinois. Over time, this neighborhood became known as “Africa” or “Little Africa,” reflecting its identity as a concentrated area where Black residents lived and built community.
Though the population remained relatively small, the neighborhood steadily grew, reaching approximately 156 residents by 1860. Many of these residents were formerly enslaved individuals who had migrated north in search of greater freedom and opportunity.
Life in “Little Africa”
Residents of Little Africa established homes, churches, and social networks that supported one another in a time of significant racial discrimination and limited legal protections.
The neighborhood included key streets such as present-day West Beecher Avenue (formerly College Street), Anna Street, South Church Street, and South West Street. These areas became the geographic and cultural center of African American life in Jacksonville during the mid-1800s.
Institutions such as Mount Emory Baptist Church played a vital role in the community, serving not only as places of worship but also as centers for education, organization, and support.
Role in the Underground Railroad
Its presence offered a level of protection and anonymity, making it more difficult for enslavers or slave catchers to identify and capture individuals passing through the area.
Nearby homes, churches, and farms—including places like Woodlawn Farm and other local sites—formed a broader network of support that extended beyond the neighborhood.
Historical Significance
Little Africa represents one of the earliest organized African American communities in Jacksonville and reflects the broader experience of Black settlement in Illinois during the 19th century.
As both a residential area and a center of Underground Railroad support, the neighborhood played an important role in the region’s history of resistance to slavery and the pursuit of freedom.
Although the physical boundaries of the community have changed over time, its legacy remains an important part of Jacksonville’s historical identity.
DISCLAIMER
Some historical details about “Little Africa,” including its exact boundaries and population figures, vary based on available records. The information presented here reflects the most widely accepted research and interpretations of the community’s history.
