DOCSLIB.ORG

Chapter 3 Chicago–Detroit/Pontiac Passenger Rail Corridor Program

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Chapter 3 Chicago–Detroit/Pontiac Passenger Rail Corridor Program Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement 3 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 3.1 Introduction Chapter 3 discusses the existing social, economic, and environmental (SEE) conditions for each affected resource within the “Area of Analysis”, which is described in Section 3.1.2. The Program’s potential environmental consequences are discussed by individual resource and mitigation measures that could be used to avoid or minimize the impacts are presented. This chapter describes the potential impacts of each of the Build Alternatives serving 10 DRTs between Chicago and Detroit with seven DRTs traveling on to Pontiac, Michigan at speeds up to 110 mph (also called the “Build Alternatives”) as well as the No Build Alternative in 2035. 3.1.1 Regulatory Requirements The methodology for conducting the review and evaluation of the SEE resources is in accordance with federal regulations and guidelines, including NEPA (42 USC 4321-4347); FRA’s Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts (Environmental Procedures) (64 FR 28545) 50; and regulations published by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) on implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500- 1508). The SEE resources addressed in this document, as required by MDOT and FRA’s environmental procedures, are listed in Table 3-1. Table 3-1: List of Social, Economic and Environmental Resources Addressed in this Document Topic Section that Covers the Topic Impacts on all modes of transportation 3.2 Mobility of elderly and handicapped 3.2 Land use 3.3 Impacts on the socio-economic environment 3.5 Environmental Justice 3.6 Public health 3.7 Public safety 3.7 Noise and vibration 3.8 Air Quality 3.9 50 Federal Railroad Administration. FRA Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts. May 26, 1999. http://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/details/L02561. Accessed November 25, 2013. Chicago – Detroit / Pontiac Passenger Rail Corridor Program 74 | TIER 1 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT Chapter 3 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences Topic Section that Covers the Topic Solid waste disposal 3.10 Site of historical, archeological, architectural, or cultural significance 3.11 Use of 4(f) protected properties (recreation areas and wildlife refuges) 3.12 Recreation areas and opportunities 3.12 and 3.13 Aesthetic environment and scenic resources 3.14 Flood hazards and floodplain management 3.15 Water Quality 3.16 Impacts on wetland areas 3.17 Coastal zone management 3.18 Natural ecological systems 3.19 Impacts on endangered species or wildlife 3.19 3.9, 3.12, 3.13, 3.15, 3.16, 3.17, Use of natural resources other than energy 3.18, 3.19, and 3.20 Use of energy resources 3.21 Construction period impacts 3.26 Federal Railroad Administration Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts. May 26, 1999. 3.1.2 Determining the Program Area of Analysis The Chicago-Detroit/Pontiac Passenger Rail Corridor Program is approximately 300 miles long, beginning in Chicago, traveling through northern Indiana and southern Michigan, to Detroit/Pontiac (see Figure 1-1). This Tier 1 EIS analyzes multiple reasonable routes through Illinois and Indiana. It includes the existing Amtrak route in Michigan and new stations at locations to be determined in northwest Indiana, Ann Arbor, Michigan and Detroit (in the New Center area) as well as one new maintenance facility in Pontiac, Michigan. Other existing stations along the route may also be improved. Station locations and improvements will be determined during service development planning and during Tier 2 NEPA analysis. See Chapter 2 (Alternatives Considered) for a thorough description of the route selection process and Figure 2-6 for a flow chart summarizing the route selection process. Chapter 2 also contains maps of the alternatives and descriptions of potential improvements. The railroad right of way along the Chicago-Detroit/Pontiac Corridor is assumed to be approximately 100 feet wide; however, the actual right of way varies in isolated locations, especially urban areas, where the right of way line may show slight irregularities. On the ground, the vast majority of the existing right of way is a uniform 100 feet wide, with the exception in the South of the Lake (SOTL) area of Route 4 where there is a 7-mile stretch that is 66 feet wide. As shown in Figure 3-1, the 100 foot width therefore represents a conservative, reasonable average right of way width. Chicago – Detroit / Pontiac Passenger Rail Corridor Program TIER 1 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT | 75 Chapter 3 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences Figure 3-1: Typical Build Cross-Section within a 100-Foot Right of Way Source: HNTB Corporation. August 2013. Chicago – Detroit / Pontiac Passenger Rail Corridor Program TIER 1 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT | 76 Chapter 3 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences The Area of Analysis covers 250 feet on each side of the existing rail centerline for a total width of 500 feet for each of the Build Alternatives and the No Build Alternative, which follows the existing Amtrak route. This 500-foot Area of Analysis is expected to accommodate any additional right of way that may be needed for track maintenance and to reduce operating disruptions, including track construction and improvements. This conservatively wide Area of Analysis accounts for the maximum anticipated future right of way needs and therefore overestimates the area that in reality would be directly impacted by the Program. It also allows flexibility in future design to accommodate future design constraints that may be identified. The boundaries of the Area of Analysis are shown in the series of maps contained in Appendix D. The Area of Analysis comprises nine counties in Michigan (Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Jackson, Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland), three counties in Indiana (Lake, Porter, LaPorte) and one county in Illinois (Cook). This Tier 1 EIS is examining a conceptual level of design. More detail about specific affected areas will be examined in Tier 2 NEPA analyses. Service development planning is also being completed as part of the development of this Tier 1 EIS and includes the development of conceptual site plans for all new stations and the maintenance facility. More detail about the affected areas for stations and maintenance facility needs will be examined more closely in future Tier 2 NEPA analysis if a Build Alternative is selected. The Service Development Plan being prepared for the Selected Program Alternative will also include detailed study of operations, benefits, costs and revenue forecasts. The final Service Development Plan will be adopted after the EIS Record of Decision is issued. 3.1.3 Overview of Alternatives Discussed within Chapter 3 This chapter evaluates the impacts of each of the four Build Alternatives currently under consideration by the Program Sponsors. These include Route 2, Route 4, Route 5 Option 1 and Option 2, and Route 9 Option 1 and Option 2. These alternatives are mapped and fully described in Section 2.2.3.2. The No Build Alternative will also be discussed within this chapter. Included in the No Build Alternative analysis are a number of improvements that have been committed to be constructed regardless of whether future higher-speed rail service is implemented under this Program. Appendix B includes the list of these improvements. 3.1.4 General Outline of Chapter 3 In this Tier 1 EIS, the following general outline is used for each affected SEE resource. Where appropriate, the detailed analysis is presented on a state-by-state basis. Chicago – Detroit / Pontiac Passenger Rail Corridor Program TIER 1 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT | 77 Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement Methodology and Regulatory Requirements This section summarizes the analysis methodology and applicable regulatory requirements, including the government agencies involved in the regulation of each particular SEE resource. Affected Environment This section describes the environment of the areas to be affected by the Build Alternatives. Sometimes this is referred to as the “existing conditions”. Features and/or demographics currently present in the Area of Analysis are explained. The intent is to define the social, economic, or environmental conditions of each topic analyzed. Impacts of the No Build Alternative This section evaluates the potential impacts of the No Build Alternative. The No Build Alternative serves as a baseline for comparison of the Alternatives against not implementing the Program. Impacts of the Build Alternatives This section evaluates the potential impacts of the four Build Alternatives that were selected for review in the EIS as they are proposed to be fully implemented. Chapter 2 (Alternatives Considered) describes how these four alternatives were selected for further study. See Figure 2-6 for a summary of the alternatives selection process. Potential Mitigation Measures This section describes potential mitigation measures that could be taken to avoid and minimize impacts. For the Tier 1 EIS, mitigation measures include typical measures that can be taken and applied broadly for the overall Corridor and not specific to a particular Build Alternative. It is anticipated that implementation of mitigation measures would the responsibility of each partnering state. Until detailed design plans are available, many specific mitigation measures cannot be identified. Specific mitigation measures would be identified in Tier 2 NEPA analysis. Tier 2 NEPA analysis would be conducted on the Selected
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Detroit Neighborhoods
    St Clair Shores Oak Park Ferndale Hazel Park Warren Southfield Eastpointe 43 68 85 8 29 42 93 Harper Woods 83 34 7 90 78 16 44 19 54 97 4 95 105 76 77 56 94 86 60 72 33 26 6 45 81 67 84 69 88 58 Hamtramck 17 74 Redford Twp 12 103 39 30 40 1 89 41 71 15 9 20 100 66 80 96 70 82 5 51 36 57 2 38 49 27 59 99 23 35 32 73 62 61 50 46 3 37 53 104 52 28 102 13 31 79 98 21 64 55 11 87 18 22 25 65 63 101 47. Hubbard Farms 48 48. Hubbard Richard 77. Palmer Park 47 91 19. Conant Gardens 49. Indian Village 78. Palmer Woods Dearborn 20. Conner Creek 50. Islandview 79. Parkland 92 21. Core City 51. Jefferson Chalmers 80. Petosky-Otsego 22. Corktown 52. Jeffries 81. Pilgrim Village 23. Cultural Center 53. Joseph Berry Subdivision 82. Poletown East 24 Inkster 24. Delray 54. Krainz Woods 83. Pulaski 25. Downtown 55. Lafayette Park 84. Ravendale 75 14 26. East English Village 56. LaSalle College Park 85. Regent Park Melvindale 27. East Village 57. LaSalle Gardens 86. Riverdale 28. Eastern Market 58. Littlefield 87. Rivertown Dearborn Heights River Rouge 1. Arden Park 29. Eight Mile-Wyoming 59. Marina District 88. Rosedale Park 10 2. Art Center 30. Eliza Howell 60. Martin Park 89. Russell Woods 3. Aviation Sub 31. Elmwood Park 61. McDougall-Hunt 90. Sherwood Forest 4. Bagley 32. Fiskhorn 62.
    [Show full text]
  • Planners Guide to Chicago 2013
    Planners Guide to Chicago 2013 2013 Lake Baha’i Glenview 41 Wilmette Temple Central Old 14 45 Orchard Northwestern 294 Waukegan Golf Univ 58 Milwaukee Sheridan Golf Morton Mill Grove 32 C O N T E N T S Dempster Skokie Dempster Evanston Des Main 2 Getting Around Plaines Asbury Skokie Oakton Northwest Hwy 4 Near the Hotels 94 90 Ridge Crawford 6 Loop Walking Tour Allstate McCormick Touhy Arena Lincolnwood 41 Town Center Pratt Park Lincoln 14 Chinatown Ridge Loyola Devon Univ 16 Hyde Park Peterson 14 20 Lincoln Square Bryn Mawr Northeastern O’Hare 171 Illinois Univ Clark 22 Old Town International Foster 32 Airport North Park Univ Harwood Lawrence 32 Ashland 24 Pilsen Heights 20 32 41 Norridge Montrose 26 Printers Row Irving Park Bensenville 32 Lake Shore Dr 28 UIC and Taylor St Addison Western Forest Preserve 32 Wrigley Field 30 Wicker Park–Bucktown Cumberland Harlem Narragansett Central Cicero Oak Park Austin Laramie Belmont Elston Clybourn Grand 43 Broadway Diversey Pulaski 32 Other Places to Explore Franklin Grand Fullerton 3032 DePaul Park Milwaukee Univ Lincoln 36 Chicago Planning Armitage Park Zoo Timeline Kedzie 32 North 64 California 22 Maywood Grand 44 Conference Sponsors Lake 50 30 Park Division 3032 Water Elmhurst Halsted Tower Oak Chicago Damen Place 32 Park Navy Butterfield Lake 4 Pier 1st Madison United Center 6 290 56 Illinois 26 Roosevelt Medical Hines VA District 28 Soldier Medical Ogden Field Center Cicero 32 Cermak 24 Michigan McCormick 88 14 Berwyn Place 45 31st Central Park 32 Riverside Illinois Brookfield Archer 35th
    [Show full text]
  • River Mileages and Drainage Areas for Illinois Streams—Volume 2, Illinois River Basin
    RIVER MILEAGES AND DRAINAGE AREAS FOR ILLINOIS STREAMS—VOLUME 2, ILLINOIS RIVER BASIN U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Water-Resources Investigations Report 79-111 Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS RIVER MILEAGES AND DRAINAGE AREAS FOR ILLINOIS STREAMS—VOLUME 2, ILLINOIS RIVER BASIN By R. W. Healy U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Water-Resources Investigations Report 79-111 Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS 1979 CONTENTS Conversion Table . .iv Abstract . .1 Introduction . .1 Methods . .2 Explanation of tables . .2 References . .3 Index . .291 ILLUSTRATIONS Figure 1. Map showing Illinois counties . .4 2. Map showing stream systems, hydrologic units, and major cities in Illinois. .6 TABLE Table 1. River mileages and drainage areas for Illinois streams . .8 i CONVERSION TABLE Multiply inch-pound unit By To obtain SI (metric) unit mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer (km) square mile (mi2) 2.590 square kilometer (km2) iv RIVER MILEAGES AND DRAINAGE FOR ILLINOIS STREAMS— Volume 2, Illinois River Basin By R. W. Healy ABSTRACT River mileages are presented for points of interest on Illinois streams draining 10 square miles or more. Points of interest include bridges, dams, gaging stations, county lines, hydrologic unit boundaries, and major tributaries. Drainage areas are presented for selected sites, including total drainage area for any streams draining at least 100 square miles. INTRODUCTION Expansion of water-resource investigations within the State of Illinois has amplified the need for a common index to locations on streams. A common index would aid in the coordination of various stream-related activities by facilitating data collection and interpretation.
    [Show full text]
  • St. Clair County Comprehensive Plan St
    St. Clair County Comprehensive Plan 2011 St. Clair County Comprehensive Plan COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS (Approved by the St. Clair County Board on September 26, 2011) PREPARED BY WOOLPERT, INC. Woolpert, Inc. County Comprehensive Plan 1 of 102 St. Clair County, Illinois Woolpert, Inc. County Comprehensive Plan 2 of 102 St. Clair County, Illinois TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: PLAN INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 7 Purpose of the Plan ................................................................................................................. 7 Plan Approach ......................................................................................................................... 8 Planning Horizon .................................................................................................................... 8 Organization of the Plan ......................................................................................................... 8 CHAPTER 2: PLANNING ISSUES ......................................................................................................... 9 Issues & Opportunities ............................................................................................................ 9 Review of the 1991 Comprehensive Plan .............................................................................. 10 Policy Statements ..................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Ilslegal V14 1..41
    Public Act 093-1030 HB1336 Enrolled LRB093 07296 DRJ 07455 b AN ACT concerning real property. Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly: Section 5. A corrective deed, to replace one previously recorded and authorized in Public Act 92-532, Section 93, is necessary to remedy certain errors in the grantee's name and therefore, the Secretary of the Department of Transportation is authorized to convey by corrective deed all right, title, and interest in and to the following described land in Coles County, Illinois to Mile Stones Midwest, Inc. Parcel No. 5X03913 PART OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE 1/4) OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (SE 1/4) OF SECTION SIXTEEN (16), TOWNSHIP TWELVE (12) NORTH, RANGE NINE (9) EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT AN EXISTING MONUMENT MARKING THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE 1/4) OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (SE 1/4) OF SECTION SIXTEEN (16), TOWNSHIP TWELVE (12) NORTH, RANGE NINE (9) EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, SAID CORNER BEING 31.13 FEET LEFT OF CENTERLINE STATION 470+80 OF F.A. ROUTE #17 (ILLINOIS ROUTE 16); THENCE S 00 DEGREES 05 MINUTES 21 SECONDS W ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE 1/4) OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (SE 1/4) AND THE CENTERLINE OF DOUGLAS DRIVE, 280.72 FEET ACTUAL (S 00 DEGREES 05 MINUTES 21 SECONDS W - 281.00 FEET RECORD); THENCE S 89 DEGREES 21 MINUTES 21 SECONDS W, 20.00 FEET ACTUAL (S 89 DEGREES 21 MINUTES W - 20.00 FEET RECORD); THENCE N 35 DEGREES 04 MINUTES 40 SECONDS W (N 34 DEGREES 59 MINUTES W RECORD), 26.07 FEET TO A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF DOUGLAS DRIVE, SAID POINT BEING Public Act 093-1030 HB1336 Enrolled LRB093 07296 DRJ 07455 b 228.06 FEET RIGHT OF CENTERLINE STATION 470+42.04 OF SAID F.A.
    [Show full text]
  • INDEX Wednesday, December 16, 2020
    INDEX Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Correspondence: EPA Notice of Application ........................................................................................................................... 3 IEPA Notice of Public Comment Period ...................................................................................................... 4 IDOT Approval of Appointment of an Acting County Engineer ................................................................. 5 Monthly Reports: Circuit Clerk ................................................................................................................................................. 6 Recorder ...................................................................................................................................................... 10 Regional Office of Education ..................................................................................................................... 11 Sheriff ......................................................................................................................................................... 13 Treasurer ..................................................................................................................................................... 14 Awards: Outgoing Elected Officials Service Plaques ............................................................................................... 20 Public Comments: ....................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Amtrak Saved from Bankruptcy Marpasks for GAO Trains Regain a Future in an 11Th-Hour Move, the U.S
    ' ~§§§(fO~§[fil [Fd§~~ [M]§OD1J8 ·'(l\11ehig~n Ohio • Indiana Issue 128 November 1997 Amtrak saved from bankruptcy MARPasks for GAO Trains regain a future In an 11th-hour move, the U.S. Congress has saved Am­ investigation trak from an almost -certain bankruptcy by passing the Am­ trak reform and reauthorization bill. The measure passed In a letter to U.S. Senator Spen­ both the Senate and House of Representatives without any cer Abraham (R-Michigan), objection. With the clock ticking down to a holiday re­ MARP has asked for a General Ac­ cess, Republicans and Democrats negotiated an agreement counting Office (GAO) investiga­ that drew support from interest groups that were at odds tion and assessment of the effec­ only days earlier. tiveness ofAmtrak's management. Amtrak's access to $2.3 billion in capital investment The request was prompted by the funds, included in the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, was fall schedules for the Chicago-De­ tied to passage of the reform bill. The capital funds are troit corridor, which went into ef­ needed to retire old debt and to upgrade aging facilities fect Oct. 26. and rolling stock. Without these, Amtrak was facing the The new schedules are the long­ prospect having to go back to unsympathetic creditors in est in Amtrak's history, and, at six December, which probably would have forced Amtrak to hours (Chicago-Detroit), are even file for bankruptcy. longer than they were in the days of Penn Central. After over $100 mil­ It is quite likely that, if Amtrak had filed for bankruptcy, ., a large portion of the national system would have been lion of track and signal work by the -' linnirl<=>tf>rl to n<=>v off rrPrlitor<:: Tn<:tP<=>rl A rntr<=>k h!'l<:: <::nrl- State of Michigan and Amtrak over - x-~-~..,...----~~~I~-.:t D.l.-.;;;; ~I~ ~··e- prospect having to go_back to unsympathetic creditors in est in Amtrak's history, and, at six December, which probably would have forced Amtrak to hours (Chicago-Detroit), are even file for bankruptcy.
    [Show full text]
  • Section 707 FY21-25 Rail Strategic Plan
    Michigan Department of Transportation Rail Strategic Plan – FY2021-2025 2020 PA166, Section 707 February 26, 2021 Section 707. (1) Before March 1 of each year, the department will provide to the legislature, the state budget office, and the house and senate fiscal agencies its rail strategic plan. The strategic plan shall include, but is not limited to, a rolling 5-year rail plan and summary of the department’s obligations for programs funded under the appropriation in part 1 for rail operations and infrastructure. (2) The rolling 5-year rail plan shall include, but is not limited to, all the following: (a) A listing by county of all rail infrastructure projects on rail lines within the state utilizing state funds, and the estimated cost of each project. (b) The actual or projected state expenditures for operation of passenger rail service. (c) The actual or projected state expenditures for maintenance of passenger service rail lines. (3) The period of the rolling 5-year rail plan includes the current fiscal year and the 4 fiscal years immediately following the current fiscal year. (4) The summary of the department’s obligations for programs funded under the appropriation in part 1 for rail operations and infrastructure shall include a breakdown of the appropriation by program, year-to-year obligations under each program itemized by project, and an estimate of future obligations under each program itemized by project for the remainder of the fiscal year. The Michigan Department of Transportation’s Office of Rail is pleased to present its Rail Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2021 through 2025.
    [Show full text]
  • Revised Agenda Meeting Of
    REVISED AGENDA MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY Thursday, December 13, 2018 Approximately 10 a.m. Ballroom B Student Center Southern Illinois University Carbondale Call to Order by Chair Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call Approval of Minutes of the Meetings Held September 12 and 13, 2018, and November 9, 2018 BOARD OF TRUSTEES ACTIVITIES A. Trustee Reports B. Committee Reports Executive Committee EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORTS C. President, Southern Illinois University D. Chancellor, Southern Illinois University Carbondale E. Chancellor, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville F. Dean and Provost, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS RECEIPT OF INFORMATION AND NOTICE ITEMS G. Report of Purchase Orders and Contracts, August, September and October 2018, SIUC H. Report of Purchase Orders and Contracts, August, September and October 2018, SIUE RATIFICATION OF PERSONNEL MATTERS I. Changes in Faculty-Administrative Payroll – SIUC J. Changes in Faculty-Administrative Payroll – SIUE ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL BY THE PRESIDENT K. Approval of Change to 5 Policies of the Board A, Budgets and Article III, Section 3 of Board Bylaws L. Approval of Administrative Reorganization of Academic Units and the Use of the Reasonable and Moderate Extension Process of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, SIUC M. Approval of Purchase: Constituent Relations Management Software, Carbondale Campus, SIUC N. Project and Budget Approval and Award of Contract: Turf Replacement Saluki Stadium, Carbondale Campus, SIUC O. Approval of Purchase: Aircraft for Aviation Flight Program, SIUC P. Approval of Purchase: Electrical Supplies, Carbondale Campus, SIUC Q. Award of Contract: Medical Instruction Facility, Lobby Renovations, School of Medicine Campus, SIUC R.
    [Show full text]
  • JAMESON JENKINS and JAMES BLANKS
    Lincoln’s Springfield JAMESON JENKINS and JAMES BLANKS AFRICAN AMERICAN NEIGHBORS OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN Spring Creek Series Richard E. Hart Jameson Jenkins’ Certificate of Freedom 1 Recorded With the Recorder of Deeds of Sangamon County, Illinois on March 28, 1846 1 Sangamon County Recorder of Deeds, Deed Record Book 4, p. 21, Deed Book AA, pp. 284-285. Jameson Jenkins and James Blanks Front Cover Photograph: Obelisk marker for graves of Jameson Jenkins and James Blanks in the “Colored Section” of Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois. This photograph was taken on September 30, 2012, by Donna Catlin on the occasion of the rededication of the restored grave marker. Back Cover Photograph: Photograph looking north on Eighth Street toward the Lincoln Home at Eighth and Jackson streets from the right of way in front of the lot where the house of Jameson Jenkins stood. Dedicated to Nellie Holland and Dorothy Spencer The Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum is a not-for-profit organization founded in February, 2006, for the purpose of gathering, interpreting and exhibiting the history of Springfield and Central Illinois African Americans life in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. We invite you to become a part of this important documentation of a people’s history through a membership or financial contribution. You will help tell the stories that create harmony, respect and understanding. All proceeds from the sale of this pamphlet will benefit The Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum. Jameson Jenkins and James Blanks: African American Neighbors of Abraham Lincoln Spring Creek Series.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction & Historic Perspective
    CAMP DOUGLAS September 1861-December 1865 (A Chicago story that must be told) View of Camp Douglas, September 1864, looking Southwest. (Image courtesy of Chicago Historical Society) 12-13 “Some institutions exist, and pass away to be forgotten; others never die, but live eternally in the memory. They possess associations clinging around them, and entwined in every fiber of their existence, so closely allied to the interest of the community that time only serves to mellow the interest, and clothe them in everlasting importance. Of these, not the least in the minds of the citizens of Chicago is Camp Douglas.” I. N. Haynie, Adjutant General of the State of Illinois, 1865. Camp Douglas (1861-1865) –A Chicago Story that must be told The Chicago Story that Must be Told: Reconstruction of a portion of Camp Douglas, one of the most significant Union Civil War prison camps, is important to the history of Chicago. Camp Douglas was more than a prison camp. As the largest reception and training center for Union soldiers in Northern Illinois, Camp Douglas was the most significant Civil War facility in Chicago. In addition to training over 30,000 Union soldiers, Camp Douglas was one of the few Union camps that received and trained African American soldiers. Providing a place for young and old to see and touch our heritage is important to retaining a historic perspective. Giving an educational opportunity to our youth is critical to providing them with a sound historic foundation. Sharing with all the role of African Americans during the Civil War, as part of the Camp Douglas restoration, offers a unique opportunity to tell the story of over four-million slaves who emerged from the war to join Northern freemen in the quest for racial equality.
    [Show full text]
  • Minutes from the Poweshiek Skipperling Workshop
    2011 Minutes from the Poweshiek Skipperling Workshop Photo: J. Dupont Winnipeg, Manitoba March 24th and 25th The minutes below represent the collective views captured and opinions of the experts who gathered to discuss the Poweshiek Skipperling. The views expressed in this document don’t represent the views of any one participant. The Workshop was led by the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Manitoba Region, and the minutes were summarized from audio recording and written notes by Jaimée Dupont. We would like to extend huge thank you to all of the individuals and organizations that attended and contributed to the workshop. We would also like to thank our sponsors: Abstract The objectives of this workshop were to bring together the Poweshiek Skipperling experts and those responsible for managing the species’ habitat from across its range, and open the lines of communication between them. Key goals of this workshop included identifying common trends amongst populations, discussing potential causes of these trends, identifying key research gaps and discussing how to fill these gaps. Workshop discussions provided immediate feedback and direction for National Recovery Planning and Implementation efforts that are currently underway in Canada and the USA. Conservation actions that should occur (range-wide and locally) were identified to ensure ongoing persistence of the species. The dramatic and seemingly concurrent declines seen locally were, unfortunately, echoed by participants from across the range (with the exception of Michigan). Workshop participants identified several potential causes of the species’ range- wide decline. Several potential factors that may be operating on a range-wide scale were discussed, and several lines of investigation were identified as critical research needs.
    [Show full text]