New Beginnings in Southern Illinois | Educating with Evidence | SIU

New Beginings in Southern Illinois Introduction

After the Civil War, newly freed African Americans faced the monumental task of building new lives in a nation still deeply divided by race and geography. Many sought opportunities beyond the South, leaving behind the plantations and oppressive conditions they had known for generations. This unit explores the journey of freedmen who migrated north and settled, focusing on the unique experiences of those who settled in Southern Illinois. Among these pioneers were families like the Bosticks, who not only sought economic opportunity and safety from violence but also became central to the local history of African American settlement in the region.

Through the story of the Bostick family and other freedmen, we will examine the factors driving this northern migration, the challenges they faced along the way, and how communities in Southern Illinois became a beacon for many African Americans seeking freedom and a new beginning. Using primary sources such as Freedmen’s Bureau records and personal narratives, students will gain a deeper understanding of how this migration influenced both local and national history, with the Bosticks providing a tangible connection to the broader story of African American resilience and perseverance.