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

African American Heritage Trail

Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 25, 2024

1. African American Heritage Trail Marker

Inscription. The Douglass Football Field served as both the location for the Douglass High School Bulldogs' games and also a community gathering site for Black audiences during each Fall and Spring season. The field was a popular destination from the early 1900s until the school was integrated with Hickman High School after the 1959-60 season. Many talented players shared the daily, four-block walk from the school dressing rooms to practice and play here. Notable coaches included Roland Wiggins, MD and George C. Brooks, a native son who played as a student and coached until Douglass closed. Long live the memories of the Douglass High School Bulldogs.

Erected 2023 by Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Sports.

Location. 38° 57.385′ N, 92° 20.437′ W. Marker is in Columbia, Missouri, in Boone County. It is at the intersection of Unity Drive and Oak Street, on the left when traveling east on Unity Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 Unity

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Dr, 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: African-American Heritage Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named African-American Heritage Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); 3rd Street Market, Blue & White Café, and the Harvey House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Douglass Park and Pool, Russell Chapel (approx. 0.4 miles away); Smithton - 1818 (approx. 0.4 miles away); In Loving Memory of Mrs. Beulah Ralph (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named African-American Heritage Trail (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named African-American Heritage Trail (approx. 0.4 miles

Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 25, 2024

2. African American Heritage Trail Marker

Looking north at the intersection of Unity and Oak Streets

away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

More about this marker. Marker was dedicated on June 13, 2023, in an unveiling ceremony. It is the 24th African American Trail marker to be placed. Marker text repeats on both sides.

Also see . . . New African American Heritage Trail marker commemorates former Douglass School Football Field. Article from Columbia's NPR-affiliate, KBIA-FM (Submitted on June 25, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 25, 2024

3. African American Heritage Trail Marker

Looking southwest

Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 199 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 25, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.