The Edwards Trace

Historical marker location:

1000 E Lake Shore Dr, Springfield, Illinois

( Marker is on East Lake Shore Drive north of Zoo Trail, on the left when traveling north.)

Marker installed: 2002

Illinois was the first state in the country to ratify the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery. The amendment was ratified by Illinois on February 1, 1865, before it was ratified by any other state.