Dreamland Park and Amos Duncan Presentation

Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Mary Frances received an Activate History Microgrant to present an event about Amos Duncan, African American creator of Dreamland Park, a popular gathering space and entertainment and sports center for African Americans during Jim Crow segregation in Springfield.

Amos Duncan is a major figure in Springfield’s Black history. He was a political leader, a law enforcement officer, and an entrepreneur. Aside from founding Dreamland Park, businesses he owned include a laundry, several bars, and the only local movie theater that catered specifically to African Americans.

Dreamland Park was located at 2425 East Cornell Avenue and opened in 1921. It was founded by Amos Duncan (1887-1945), a Black entrepreneur. The park had a roller coaster, a merry-go-round, a dance pavilion, and other kiddie attractions. The park closed in 1938 and Southeast High School stands at this location today. No ground-level photos of the park during this time frame are known to exist. 

Learn more about Amos Duncan and Dreamland Park at sangamoncountyhistory.org.