Liberty in Clay County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Clay County African American Pioneers
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., July 30, 2013
1. Clay County African American Pioneers Marker (front)
[Front]
During the Civil War era, one of every four Clay County residents was of African descent. Although sold in slave auctions and denied inalienable rights, these stalwart men and women helped build homes, churches, roads, schools, and businesses. Along with the planters and farmers, African Americans helped produce the cash crops of grain, hemp, and tobacco that were the foundation of early Clay County wealth.
This monument commemorates African American contributions to Clay County first in slavery and later in freedom. We honor these men and women who rose to become distinguished residents, politicians, educators, and business and civic leaders. We proudly recognize them for their work in the development of the Northland into the pinnacle of success it holds in the Greater Kansas City Metroplex.
Pioneers listed on back of monument
[Back]
African-American Pioneers
[Listed by occupation and location]
Distinguished Clay County Residents
19th Century 20th Century
Churches Schools
Erected by Clay County African American Legacy Consortium
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 39° 14.8′ N, 94° 25.179′ W. Marker is in Liberty, Missouri, in Clay County. It is at the intersection of Franklin Street and Water Street, on the left when traveling west on Franklin Street. Marker is on the northwest grounds of the county courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 East Kansas Street, Liberty MO 64068, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Missouri River Corridor and in Greater Kansas City. 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: Liberty (a few steps from this marker); Clay County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of First Daylight Bank Hold Up in United States (within shouting distance of this marker); Jesse James Bank Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); World War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Liberty Lodge No. 49 I.O.O.F. (within shouting distance of this marker); 16 North Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Clay County Historical Museum (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Liberty.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., July 30, 2013
2. Clay County African American Pioneers Marker (back)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., July 30, 2013
3. Clay County African American Pioneers Marker
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Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 29, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 924 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 29, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
