Timeline: 1871
The Big Four Railroad shops opened in just east Urbana. Over the years it would employ many African Americans in various jobs, from laborers and rail walkers to machinists.
August 22: “Celebration of the 15th amendment. Picnic in Stewarts Grove. Parade with banners in the streets of Champaign and Urbana. Speeches to be made by Chas. Jacobs, of Decatur, Columbus Green, Mr. Icibell, Jordan Anderson, Wm. Sanders, and Mr. Adell.” Champaign County Gazette, September 20, 1871, p. 1
“The Second Baptist Church (later renamed Salem Baptist Church) dedication on an October Sunday at 2:00 p.m. The cost of the building and lot was $1,286.26. The Rev. Wm. Washington, pastor.” October 11, 1871, Champaign County Gazette, p. 4.
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