AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE TRAIL
The African American Heritage Trail is a two-mile urban trail in the heart of Columbia, Mo. The trail honors local Black people and institutions from the city’s first 200 years.
two cities divided by race
For much of its 200 years, Columbia was two cities divided by race. During most of those decades, Blacks were not allowed to shop in white-owned stores, attend their schools and churches, or receive services from most white professionals such as doctors and lawyers. As a result, “The Other Columbia” materialized. It was largely independent from the rest of the city and was located within about 30 square blocks on the north side of Broadway in central Columbia.
After the conclusion of the American Civil War in 1865, with Columbia mostly segregated, Blacks began building their own businesses and institutions where they worked, shopped and socialized. The African American Heritage Trail is a tour of this historic area, which changed dramatically in the 1960s after a controversial program known as urban renewal eliminated many black-owned homes and enterprises.
The trail includes more than 20 informational markers highlighting people and institutions significant to the city’s history. Completed in 2020, the project was spearheaded by the Sharp End Heritage Committee, in collaboration with Columbia Parks and Recreation, and with financial support from several local businesses and individuals.
continue learning about the trail
- Sharp End: The Sorrid History of Race, Space, and Inequality in Columbia, Missouri
- Remembering Sharp End Neighborhood (Vox Magazine)
- Sharp End District remembered for togetherness (Columbia Missourian)
- Last building in historic Sharp End District a reminder of its legacy (Columbia Missourian)
- Historic Missourians – Annie Fisher
- Columbia’s hidden figure: Verna Laboy brings Annie Fisher to life