Abolitionizing Missouri?: St. Louis Germans and the Debate over Slavery, 1848-1865

Historian/Curator Nick Sacco will start the presentation with a short talk on Ulysses S. Grant’s relationship with German immigrants during his time in St. Louis (1854-1860). He will specifically discuss Grant’s failed application to become St. Louis County Engineer and the man who beat him, Charles E. Salomon, who was born in Prussia and immigrated to St. Louis in the 1850s.

Kristen Anderson, associate professor of History at Webster University, will explore the roles German immigrants played in the Civil War and debates over slavery. In the 19th century Missouri, including St. Louis, received many German immigrants. St. Louis Germans became increasingly antislavery throughout the 1850s, and once the Civil War began, were quick to volunteer for the Union Army, providing much needed manpower during the early years of the war.

The program is free. Please call 314-842-1867 ext. 230 for reservations.