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Nance Legins-Costley’s final resting place is marked with no honor. Decades ago, her graveyard in Peoria, Illinois, was paved over with asphalt.

PEORIA, Ill. – The name of Nance Legins-Costley could resonate amid the likes of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass and other abolitionist figures. But her story is hardly known. Not in Illinois, where – despite anti-slavery laws – she was born into bondage. Not in the city of Pekin, where – despite anti-Black attitudes – she became a beloved community figure. And certainly not in Peoria, where – despite her impressive life – she is buried in ignominy.  Perhaps her story is more subtle than those of high-profile abolitionist leaders, yet her fortitude was astounding. Barely a t...

PEORIA — If the world were just, the name of Nance Legins-Costley would resonate amid the likes of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass and other abolitionist rebels. But her story is hardly known. Not in Illinois, where — despite anti-slavery laws — she was born into bondage. Not in Pekin, where — despite anti-Black attitudes — she became a beloved community figure. And certainly not in Peoria, where — despite her impressive life — she is buried in ignominy. Perhaps her story is more subtle than those of high-profile abolitionist leaders, yet her fortitude wa...

First slave freed by Lincoln buried under Peoria pavement Tire tracks in the snow arc around a paved lot around 3915 SW Adams, Jan. 28, 2021, in Peora, Iall. The area is believed to be the final resting place of 48 Civil War veterans among others, including Nance Legins-Costley of Illinois, the first slave legally freed by Abraham Lincoln. The area was once known as Moffatt Cemetery. (Matt Dayhoff/Journal Star via AP) Associated Press A large sign with the name of 48 Civil War veterans hangs on a fence in the area around 3915 SW Adams, Jan. 28, 2021, in Peora, Iall. The area i...

If the world were just, the name of Nance Legins-Costley would resonate amid the likes of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass and other abolitionist rebels.