Route History

Did you know that Springfield’s medical community looks the way it does today in part because of Dr. Edwin Lee?

From helping bring the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine to Springfield, to building the Lee Medical Building creating a safe space where Black doctors and dentists could practice without fear of discrimination Dr. Lee didn’t just practice medicine… he changed the system.

A Morehouse and Meharry graduate and WWII veteran, his impact reached far beyond healthcare. He served as president of the Springfield School Board and the Springfield Urban League, helped found Peoples National Bank and the Sangamon State University Foundation, and served on the national board of directors of the NAACP.

Because of his vision, Springfield became a destination for talented healthcare professionals and a stronger, more equitable community. 💜

🧠 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE! 🧠 Which Illinois innovator helped develop life-saving treatments using plant-based compounds? Drop your answer below — A, B, or C! 👇🏾