Columbia in Boone County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
African-American Heritage Trail
Henry Kirklin (1858-1938) was a prize-winning internationally acclaimed horticulturalist. Born a slave in Columbia, he was freed at age 5. At age 14, he worked at Joseph B. Douglass' nursery, learning from European gardeners. Later, as a gardener and greenhouse supervisor at the University of Missouri, he taught students his "fine art of pruning and grafting." Kirklin is thought to be the first black to teach at MU but "unofficially"; blacks were denied teaching positions then. Early on he built a garden at his mother's home at 107 Switzler Street and gradually acquired additional land for his multi-acre, "magnificent" garden. From there, he sold produce and plants to Columbians and local businesses. He was among Columbia's most successful businessmen, which earned him the right to vote. His list of accolades is lengthy.
Erected 2019 by Sharp End Heritage Committee, Economic Development Inc., City of Columbia; signage courtesy of anonymous donor.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce.
this page online
Location. 38° 57.399′ N, 92° 20.222′ W. Marker is in Columbia, Missouri, in Boone County. It is on Switzler Street just west of Lasalle Place, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 107 Switzler St, 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: 3rd Street Market, Blue & White Cafι, and the Harvey House (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Douglass Park and Pool, Russell Chapel (approx. 0.2 miles away);
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.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 607 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
