I am a resident of Illinois, deeply connected to the rich history that our state holds. One such piece of our heritage is the Crenshaw House in Junction, Illinois. This property holds immense historical significance for southern Illinois and has been a beacon of our past for generations.

The Crenshaw House was built in the 1830s by John Hart Crenshaw, a notorious illegal slave trader. It served as a station on the Reverse Underground Railroad where free blacks and escaped slaves were kidnapped and sold into slavery down South. Despite its dark past, it stands as an important reminder of our history - both good and bad.

Unfortunately, this historic site has been closed to public since 2014 due to lack of funds for maintenance (source: Southern Illinoisan newspaper). This closure not only deprives us all from learning about an important part of American history but also risks losing this landmark forever due to neglect.

We believe that preserving historic sites like the Crenshaw House is crucial for educating future generations about our past. We urge the State Government and relevant authorities to take immediate action towards preserving this significant site by allocating necessary funding for its maintenance and reopening it for public visits once again.

Join us in saving this integral piece of southern Illinois's history before it's too late. Sign this petition today!