Slavery in St. Louis Exhibit

The institution of slavery existed in St. Louis for more than 100 years. Famous African American civil rights leaders such as William Wells Brown, Dred and Harriet Scott, and James Milton Turner were once enslaved in St. Louis. When the Civil War broke out, nearly 4,500 African Americans were enslaved within the city’s limits. Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is proud to help bring this history to life through a new exhibit now on display through Labor Day (September 4, 2023). Using primary sources, historical artifacts, and individual stories of enslavement, this exhibit aims to connect the growth of slavery with the political, economic, and social history of the Gateway to the West during the 18th and 19th centuries. The park will also offer special programming throughout the spring and summer in conjunction with the exhibit. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Transportation funding is available to bring school groups for a guided experience in the exhibit. Contact Museum Historian/Curator Nick Sacco at nick_sacco@nps.gov