Fulton in Callaway County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Winston Churchill's “Iron Curtain” Speech
Westminster College Gymnasium
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 12, 2013
1. Churchill's "Iron Curtain" Speech Marker
5 March 1946
the Right Honorable
Winston Churchill
Wartime Prime Minister of
Great Britain
delivered his
"Iron Curtain" Speech
having been introduced by
Harry S. Truman
President of the
United States of America
Erected MCML
——————————
Westminster College Gymnasium
has been designated a
Registered National
Historic Landmark
under the provisions of the
Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935
This site possesses exceptional value
in commemorating or illustrating
the history of the United States
U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service
1968
Erected 1950 by Westminster College.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Government & Politics • Landmarks • War, Cold. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #33 Harry S. Truman, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is March 5, 1946.
Location. 38° 50.892′ N, 91° 57.36′ W. Marker is in Fulton, Missouri, in Callaway County. Marker is on C. F. Lampkin
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. William Chrisman Swope Memorial Chapel (within shouting distance of this marker); Westminster Hall Threshold (within shouting distance of this marker); Westminster College Columns (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); President Robert L. D. Davidson (about 300 feet away); War Comes to Westminster College (about 500 feet away); Alpha Delta of Beta Theta Pi (about 600 feet away); The Berlin Wall (about 700 feet away); The National Winston Churchill Museum (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fulton.
Also see . . .
1. Winston Churchill’s Iron Curtain Speech—March 5, 1946. World War II National Museum website entry (Submitted on December 18, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Short Video Highlighting Near-Term Effects of "Iron Curtain" Speech. YouTube video (3m 28s) (Submitted on November 25, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. The True Meaning of the Iron Curtain Speech - The Churchill Centre. 1986 speech by By Pamela C. Harriman. Excerpt:
Churchill was different from most political leaders in that he thought(Submitted on November 25, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)beyond the next election to the next generation. It was this sense of perspective which enabled him to persevere despite recurring disappointments in his public life. His moment of triumph did not come until he was 66, past the normal retirement age, and long after he had been written off. In its greatest trial, Britain found its greatest modern leader. Yet five years later, with the war won, he was defeated for reelection. He had the world’s honor and respect, but not his country’s vote.Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 12, 20132. Westminster College Gymnasium NHL Marker
So it was that a year after that, President Truman invited Churchill – as prophet and not Prime Minister – to speak in Truman’s home state, at Westminster College – “a name,” as Churchill said, “somewhat familiar to me. “It was 5000 miles from the Parliament at Westminster to this midwestern college podium. And the speaker of the day brought with him one of the most famous speeches of all time, a speech which is so often cited as a text for our time.
4. National Churchill Museum, Fulton MO. (Submitted on November 25, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
5. Westminster College, Fulton MO. (Submitted on November 25, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 12, 2013
3. Westminster College Gymnasium Markers
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 12, 2013
4. Westminster College Gymnasium
via Time, 1946
5. Winston Churchill's “Iron Curtain” Speech
Credits. This page was last revised on December 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 25, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,363 times since then and 76 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week February 27, 2022. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 25, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 5. submitted on December 18, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 6. submitted on February 26, 2022, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
