ST. CHARLES COUNTY HISTORY

By Dorris Keeven-Franke

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History happens. All stories, especially the difficult ones, need to be heard. Award winning author, a public historian, professional genealogist, and International speaker. Member of the Missouri Speakers Bureau and the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

Tag: National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom

  • Freedom Seeker Benjamin Oglesby

    Freedom Seeker Benjamin Oglesby

    Many of St. Charles County’s enslaved men would resist enslavement and risk everything to enlist in the U.S. Colored Troops. Leaving families behind, they used the network to freedom known as the Underground Railroad to enlist in the U.S Colored Troops during the Civil War. One man named Benjamin Oglesby was born in Bedford, Virginia…

  • Historic Smith Chapel Cemetery

    Historic Smith Chapel Cemetery

    In 2023, the historic cemetery was listed on the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom because of the burial location of Smith Ball, Martin Boyd and Benjamin Oglesby, all freedom seekers that would flee their enslavers. They would return home after serving in the Union Army during the Civil War and purchase…

  • Archer Alexander Memorial

    Archer Alexander Memorial

    Archer Alexander was the last fugitive slave captured in Missouri, and received his freedom on September 24, 1863, for his important services to the United States Military (Union) after informing them of a plot to destroy a local railroad bridge. He saved hundreds of lives, and a vital link conveying troops, funds and supplies for…