10. Springfield (Illinois)
In 1908, Springfield, Illinois—famous as Abraham Lincoln’s hometown—was rocked by brutal racial violence. White mobs rampaged through Black neighborhoods, burning homes and businesses, and killing at least seven people. The terror forced hundreds of Black residents to flee, leaving much of their community in ruins. The aftermath of the Springfield Race Riot galvanized activists and directly contributed to the founding of the NAACP, a pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights. Read more at NPR
