What the History Books Donīt Tell You About Missouri's Black History
Melody Schubert
January 21, 2009
Our nation, and the world - face many challenges. The same is true for the men who laid the foundation of the United States. At a time when slavery was a serious topic of debate these men did not think America could overcome adversity and racial barriers. Nor did they ever imagine we would elect a vibrant and charismatic young politician named Barack Obama as President.
On our trip to Missouri we stepped back to a time when men debated slavery while it continued to shatter lives. We stared across the muddy waters of the Missouri as those desperate for freedom did on the nights they crossed. Few escaped. Others, captured faced the certainty of cruel punishment and death. We felt the cold, bitter wind nip at our flesh as we stood inside a slave's cabin that was little more than a horse barn. Not far away we viewed a elegant mansion untouched by time. Yet this deceiving structure in all its grandeur has a dark past; one which stared back at us with unremorseful eyes. Here, men and women of color were bred like cattle, and later taken to market to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.
Later on our journey when we stood on the steps of the historic Old Courthouse in St. Louis where we were given a intense glimpse into the treatment of slaves on auction day. On these steps, men, women, and children were examined like animals under the watchful eyes of their master and potential owners.
This was also the location where Dred Scott sued his owner for freedom. Scott v. Sanford would further divide the nation and is one of the main events that ultimately led to the Civil War.
As we stood back, far from the historic Old Courthouse to take a photo there was half of the arch of St Louis - the gateway to the West - to new beginnings - and freedom.
It seemed fitting that a group of protesters were on site preparing for a rally, and at the same time odd to see the bus load of Eastern Tourist snapping photos with them.
I wondered what they would think of the Dred Scott exhibit inside? Did they know that St Louis was also home "free" African Americans known as the Colored Aristocracy, who lived rich and diverse lives. Or - that these free men and women of Color also risked their lives to organize various Underground Railroad stops?
During our trip we debated to past with our group of friends and shared the impact of what we learned. It's true, the history books only tell part of the story of America's past and its Black History. There are many more stories to be told around every bend as we continue to Explore America's Backyard. Although we began our journey as strangers by the end of the trip we formed friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
To read more of this feature with photos in USA Travel Magazine's Missouri State Pages click this link
http://www.usatravelmagazine.com/a/025/MOnews022.html.
On our trip to Missouri we stepped back to a time when men debated slavery while it continued to shatter lives. We stared across the muddy waters of the Missouri as those desperate for freedom did on the nights they crossed. Few escaped. Others, captured faced the certainty of cruel punishment and death. We felt the cold, bitter wind nip at our flesh as we stood inside a slave's cabin that was little more than a horse barn. Not far away we viewed a elegant mansion untouched by time. Yet this deceiving structure in all its grandeur has a dark past; one which stared back at us with unremorseful eyes. Here, men and women of color were bred like cattle, and later taken to market to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.
Later on our journey when we stood on the steps of the historic Old Courthouse in St. Louis where we were given a intense glimpse into the treatment of slaves on auction day. On these steps, men, women, and children were examined like animals under the watchful eyes of their master and potential owners.
This was also the location where Dred Scott sued his owner for freedom. Scott v. Sanford would further divide the nation and is one of the main events that ultimately led to the Civil War.
As we stood back, far from the historic Old Courthouse to take a photo there was half of the arch of St Louis - the gateway to the West - to new beginnings - and freedom.
It seemed fitting that a group of protesters were on site preparing for a rally, and at the same time odd to see the bus load of Eastern Tourist snapping photos with them.
I wondered what they would think of the Dred Scott exhibit inside? Did they know that St Louis was also home "free" African Americans known as the Colored Aristocracy, who lived rich and diverse lives. Or - that these free men and women of Color also risked their lives to organize various Underground Railroad stops?
During our trip we debated to past with our group of friends and shared the impact of what we learned. It's true, the history books only tell part of the story of America's past and its Black History. There are many more stories to be told around every bend as we continue to Explore America's Backyard. Although we began our journey as strangers by the end of the trip we formed friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
To read more of this feature with photos in USA Travel Magazine's Missouri State Pages click this link
http://www.usatravelmagazine.com/a/025/MOnews022.html.
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