Black History

This book was originally written for students. Primarily, it was intended to provide information about our community that was not widely known. It was also intended to expose students to the wide range of historical resources that are easily available to all of us and from which we can learn much about our community. Now it has been revised and expanded with the hope that it will be of interest to a wider audience.

In presenting to the Illinois Association of Club Women and Girls, Inc. this history, we must first relate the records of the pioneer women, who gave to us their organized efforts and accomplishments.

Examines the extent of involvement of Black people from McLean County, Illinois in the Civil War. Previous research has indicated there were about 20 Black males from McLean County who enlisted in "colored regiments." This paper will show the number of Black males who enlisted during the war is probably closer to 39 and the number who died in battle or of disease totaled 13. After the war, at least 29 Black veterans who had served in a variety of regiments, moved into the county.

From the foreword: "The purpose of this book is to bring before the people, in a brief way, the colored professional and business men and women, who are striving onward, and whose lives and endeavors are worthy of emulation." 

Despite Illinois laws that were not friendly to Blacks, African Americans chose to make McLean County their home as early as the 1830s. 

Between June 14 and June 30, 1994 archaeological investigations were carried out at the old William Carey Barton home at 304 East Cherry Street, Normal, Illinois under sponsorship of the McLean County Historical Society and the Bloomington-Normal Black History Project.

We are on a “Jubilant Journey” that has covered 175 years of ministering in McLean County. We are a church in the heart of the city developing a heart for the city.

History of Wayman AME Church, including past clergy and an archaeological dig of the Center St. church.