Columbia in Boone County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Lest We Forget: Lynching at the Stewart Road Bridge

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 21, 2021

1. Lest We Forget: Lynching at the Stewart Road Bridge Marker

Inscription. Near this place James T. Scott, a Black janitor in the medical school at MU, was killed on April 29th, 1923. A mob brought Mr. Scott to the bridge, placed a noose around his neck, and pushed him over the railing while hundreds of spectators watched. MU's presence and the alleged student involvement in Mr. Scott's murder stirred public outrage and made front-page news across the U.S. Although charges were filed against the leaders of the mob, none were convicted. Let this site remind us of the injustices of our historical legacy. As we continue the fight against systems of oppression, let us reflect on how to better our community for all Columbians. The Lynching at Stewart Road Bridge reminds us of how far we have come and the work we have yet to do.

Erected 2016 by MU's Association of Black Graduate and Professional Students.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Columbia's African-American Heritage Trail, Missouri series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 29, 1923.

Location. 38° 56.727′ N,

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92° 20.099′ W. Marker is in Columbia, Missouri, in Boone County. It can be reached from South Providence Road (State Highway 163) 0.1 miles south of East Stewart Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 S Providence Rd, Columbia MO 65203, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Little Dixie

and in the Missouri River Corridor.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "Make A Brighter Future" (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of the United States Colored Troops of the Civil War (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Columbia College (approx. ¼ mile away); George Clinton Swallow (approx. ¼ mile

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 21, 2021

2. Lest We Forget: Lynching at the Stewart Road Bridge Marker

away); James Shannon L.L.D. (approx. 0.3 miles away); Beetle Bailey (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Mel Carnahan Quadrangle (approx. 0.3 miles away); African-American Heritage Trailhead (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

Also see . . . African-American Heritage Trail complete, ready to teach. Columbia Missourian website entry (Submitted on April 24, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Additional keywords. Jim Crow era, terrorism

Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,300 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.