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Saint Louis CitySide - an overview of the City Government of Saint Louis
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 St. Louis Front Page presents St. Louis CitySide, an overview of the City Government of Saint Louis. From time to time, we will take an indepth look at many of the projects in which the city is involved and how these projects will affect residents and visitors. |
by Bob Moore, SLFP.com ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), Nov 1, 2001 - The Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing, the first site in Missouri to be accepted in the National Park Service's National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom was dedicated, Nov 1, in a special ceremony on the Riverfront Trail. The site is located just north of the Merchants Bridge, which was built in 1889 was an alternative to the Ead's Bridge.
"It was here that eight or nine people cautiously boarded a small boat in the early hours of May 21, 1855," noted Zapalac. "They had arrived here with the help of two people - Isaac, a free person of color, and Mary Meachum, widow of the founding pastor of the First African Baptist Church of St. Louis." Zapalac, who did considerable research on the site, commented that the information had been pieced together from newspaper articles that appeared within days of the event, criminal court records, census records, maps, city directories and Henry Shaw's financial records. "We know the name of only one of those who began their journey to freedom that night," stated Zapalac. She stated that Esther and the two children with her were the property of Henry Shaw. Other African Americans in the boat belonged to the sheriff and other leading citizens of St. Louis. According to historians, Esther and her companions were met on the Illinois bank by police agents and owners, Zapalac said. Shots were fired, wounding Freeman, an Illinois resident who was waiting with wagons to transport the freedom seekers to Alton.
According to records, Mary Meachum and "Isaac" were indicted in St. Louis Criminal Court on May 24, 1855, on two counts each of having "enticed a slave out of State." Zapalac stated that Isaac was eventually acquitted, but no records revealed the disposition of the case against Mrs. Meachum, whose home was used as an "underground railroad depot". "The Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing is a remarkable addition to our Riverfront Trail," stated St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay. "We honor Mary Meachum and the other "abolitionist agents" - both white and black - who risked their lives to make that dream of freedom come true for so many others." "I encourage everyone - people throughout our region, our state, and around the country, to visit the Trail, but to also take a special moment to appreciate this amazing crossing where blood was shed and history was made," said the Mayor.  Related Archived News:  Mississippi River Trail DedicatedMayor Slay, Multi-Faith Religious Leaders Encourage Religious ToleranceTaking Stock of Our City and Our RegionMissouri Attorney General Stops Internet Auction FraudSt. Louis/East St. Louis Joint Economic Development Initiative Receives Nearly $3 Million in FundingSecond Annual Spirit of St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend AnnouncedFrancis G. Slay Wins St. Louis by LandslideMike Chance, GOP Candidate for Mayor, Part IIMike Chance, GOP Candidate for Mayor, Part ICourt Order Stops Landlords from Renting Condemned PropertyMissouri Energy Task Force Formed/ Nixon to Host Ethics ConferenceSchlichter to Head Development of New Convention Hotel ProjectPresidential Race Remains Extremely TightFinal Countdown to the DebateAnatomy of a RenaissanceWash U Presidential DebateToys R Us SettlementSt. Louis 'Best Sports City'Regus Business Center OpensMississippi River CrossingEnvironmental AwardsMounted Police StableConvention Hotel Is a Go!Wake Up and Smell the IncentivesRebuilding Commumities CampaignRegional Tax BillFoundation for HealthInternet Crime BillDowntown Open for BusinessMississippi River BridgeSoulard Market's Future
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