Three African American heritage properties in southern Illinois are being recognized with a grant from the National Park Service.
The $75,000 grant through the Underrepresented Community Grants program will go to Saline Springs in Gallatin County to reflect the use of African American slaves owned or leased from Kentucky by salt production operator John Crenshaw; the Illinois Iron Furnace in the Shawnee National Forest near Rosiclare to reflect the diverse makeup of the Furnace community and workforce; and the Carrier Mills Archaeological District, to reflect the African American heritage of the Pond Settlement, also known as Lakeview.
Illinois was one of 21 projects in 16 states and the District of Columbia to receive funding.
In addition, a plan will be produced to research additional African American heritage sites in the area.
