The Forgotten Eldorado Story: One Town's Journey to "Sundown"

What really happened in small-town Illinois history—and why don’t we hear about it?

The Clifton Public Library invites the community to a powerful presentation uncovering the little-known history of Eldorado, Illinois. Illinois Road Scholar Clifton Jackson will travel from the Springfield area to share the story of Jefferson Douglas Alston, a formerly enslaved man who founded a school—and the chain of events that followed, including violence and intervention from the Illinois governor.

This thought-provoking program explores how one town’s past reflects larger, often overlooked chapters of American history.

The event will be held at the Clifton Community Building. Admission is free and recommended for ages 16 and up. Historians, educators, and anyone interested in local or regional history are encouraged to attend.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend.