Honoring Archer Alexander
From the organizers:
Imagine yourself trapped between two hostile forces during the Civil War in Missouri. Caught in this huge conflict the enslaved Archer Alexander would earn his freedom, because of his brave act at the Peruque Creek bridge in St. Charles County. When he learned of his enslaver’s plot to destroy the vital railroad bridge, he rushed to inform the Union Troops stationed at the guardhouse. This critical knowledge would save hundreds of lives, and precious military supplies. Archer was forced to flee for his life, via the network to freedom. He would find safety in the home of a Unitarian minister, and founder of Washington University in St. Louis, William Greenleaf Eliot. It would be dangerous to harbor a fugitive. Then the news came. Archer’s freedom was announced in the newspapers on September 24, 1863!
On September 24, 2022, Archer Alexander will be recognized in two events, being held in his honor, to which the public is invited
10 am at 119 S. Main Street in St. Charles, the former site of the St. Charles County Courthouse in 1863. Join us for the ceremony!
1 pm at St. Peters UCC Cemetery in St. Louis (Normandy) 2101 Lucas & Hunt Memorial Service with his family and friends will celebrate the life of this American Hero.