The Old Slave House located in Gallatin County is an Illinois treasure. Unfortunately, the people from this area and other states and visitors from around the world have been unable to partake in its endless riches since the house was closed to the public in 1996. For years, controversy has swirled around the house, also known as Crenshaw Manor. Was John Hart Crenshaw, the house's original owner, a slave trafficker? Were slaves secretly held captive on the third floor? Was the house built for the explicit purpose to house kidnapped slaves? There is varying proof for each of those claims. Other questions, such as were slaves actually bred in between transporting periods, are not that fleshed out.
What is obvious is the historical importance of the house and the site. In April 2000, the state purchased the house for $500,000. George Sisk, former owner of the house, has been waiting for the state to procure funding for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency to reopen and operate the house. Sisk has already agreed to move out in May. The state has been dragging its feet on this matter for almost two years. The state budget has come up shorter than expected, and people will undoubtedly point again to Sept. 11, 2001, as a factor for the nation's economy being thrown off kilter. That's true about the current economic situation. But what about the 16 months prior, particularly during the time when politicians were projecting surpluses galore and revenues as far as the eye could see.
The state can not turn its back on such a significant piece of Illinois history. The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which would operate the house, has taken a neutral position concerning the stories about the house. Agency spokespersons have said purchasing the house was never an issue as long as there was money in the budget to operate it. If the current budget can not absorb the house this year, there is a possible alternative. A private group could be allowed to run the house, perhaps on a yearly basis. That hinges on if and when money becomes available in the budget. It's time for the state to ante-up.
The Old Slave House is too important to remain closed. The house's story, though troubling to some, should not be silenced. The celebration of history sometimes entails exploring the bad as well as the good. How can a society learn from its mistakes when it chooses to shy away from its more unseemly history? Were slaves kidnapped and held captive at the house? Was Crenshaw more than just a wealthy salt manufacturer back in the 1800s? People will debate these questions regardless of the evidence already out there. The Old Slave House itself is a treasured part of Southern Illinois and offers a link to the past from which this generation and generations to come can learn.
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
