Columbia in Boone County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
African-American Heritage Trailhead
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 21, 2021
1. African-American Heritage Trailhead Marker
The African-American Heritage Trail commemorates Columbia's blacks, their enterprises and churches from the city's first 200 years. The Trail honors people who overcame enormous odds to achieve outstanding legacies, some receiving national and international acclaim. It also remembers the consequences of Urban Renewal in the 1960s, when many black businesses and homes were lost. Blacks lived along Flat Branch Creek before Columbia was founded in 1821. When whites arrived, blacks were displaced. Although most Columbians helped one another recover from the devastation of the Civil War, the city eventually became segregated. Until the 1960s, most Columbia blacks, lived, worked, shopped and socialized in an area bordered by Wilkes Blvd., Garth Ave., Stewart Road and Fifth St. About two miles long, the African-American Heritage Trail is within those boundaries and includes more than 20 historic markers.
Erected 2019 by Sharp End Heritage Committee, Economic Development Inc., City of Columbia; signage courtesy of Central Bank of Boone County.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Industry & Commerce
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Location. 38° 57.022′ N, 92° 19.987′ W. Marker is in Columbia, Missouri, in Boone County. Marker is at the intersection of South 4th Street and Cherry Street, on the right when traveling south on South 4th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 S 4th St, Columbia MO 65201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. African-American Heritage (a few steps from this marker); Commerce (a few steps from this marker); Early Settlement (within shouting distance of this marker); Transportation (within shouting distance of this marker); Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad Yard (within shouting distance of this marker); Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad Depot (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); African-American Heritage Trail (about 500 feet away); The John William "Blind" Boone Home and the Second Missionary Baptist Church (about 700 feet 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 23, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 21, 2021
2. African-American Heritage Trailhead Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 470 times since then and 117 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
