Black History Month Celebrates
Historic Sites and AttractionsGhosts
of Civil War soldiers, gold miners heading to the fabled
California coast, and former slaves who helped build
up the frontier settlement of Independence, Missouri
seem to roam the historic buildings and landscape in
this modern-day place. Just minutes east of Kansas City
lies the city of Independence, once a booming pioneer
town on the edge of civilization and the jumping off
point for the California, Oregon and Santa Fe westward
trails.
Many
early residents of Independence emigrated from the South
and quite naturally brought their slaves with them.
It was common for slaves to be bought and sold on the
old courthouse steps. Although there are few records
of the names of these slaves, their legacy lives on
in the proud finished products of their labor. Slaves
were instrumental in the building of roads that were
required for the westward expansion. They also were
often responsible for the excellent craftsmanship that
was reflected in early brick homes and buildings in
Independence. One structure, crafted out of large native
limestone squares, was the 1859 Jail, 217 N. Main, still
standing and open for tours today. It was built in three
months, an almost unheard of feat for such a substantial
building.
But
slaves were not the only African American people who
came to Independence. Free black pioneers found their
way here as well, including a number who became the
town's leading citizens. Perhaps the most influential
of the free blacks was a man named Hiram Young, who,
with his wife, opened what would become one of the most
successful blacksmith shops in the city. Hiram was known
for opening his home to ethnic minorities such as Irish
immigrants. He also purchased slaves in order to grant
them their freedom. Hiram was a great believer in education
and was a founder of a public school for black children.
Another
famous black citizens was Emily Fisher, who operated
a successful hotel on the Square. Her hotel was known
for its outstanding service and became very popular
with travelers along the westward trails. She also invented
an ointment that proved to have good healing qualities.
Emily donated bricks for the building of the Second
Baptist Church, 116 E. White Oak, still standing and
being used today as a house of worship.
After
the Civil War, blacks had a difficult time finding employment
and a number of discouraged men turned to crime. When
a nun named Sister Mary Jerome Shubrick discovered the
miserable conditions in the county jail among blacks,
she began visiting them, smuggling in food and books
to share. She also wrote letters to their families for
them. Because she was so loved and trusted, she was
given her own key to the jail. When she died in 1894,
her tombstone read: "The Prisoner's Friend". (CONTINUE...)
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