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McHistory: Bloomington-Normal's Sole Documented Lynching

McLean County Jail
McLean County Museum of History
This McLean County Jail, located at the southwest corner of Center and Market streets, was in operation from 1857 to 1882. Bloomington's only recorded lynching occurred outside this building on the night of Oct. 1, 1881.

Bloomington-Normal had only one documented lynching.

This episode of McHistory produced by WGLT's Mary Cullen tells of the gruesome death of Charles Pierce.

In October 1881, a mob of residents incited the lynching. Pierce was a white man accused of horse theft and murder.

The voices of McLean County Museum of History Librarian Bill Kemp and museum volunteer Doug Williamson were featured in this episode.