After visiting the location where slaves crossed the river in hope of freedom it was nice to visit a place where hope remained. Did you know that local school children helped collect a million pennies to save Banneaker, a one room school house? Although Banneaker is still in need of further support, the children's efforts have helped to save this piece of history until additional funds can be found.

Our trip took us across the state, where in Kansas City we visited the Negro Leagues Baseball and Jazz Museums. Both museums offer a diverse collection of exhibits that tell the stories of African Americans who followed their dreams.

The stories of these men and women continue inspire others to succeed and give us hope for the future. Hope is what we found in Pennytown when we visited a church where "Free" slaves gathered for worship. The church and one other building are all that remains of this once a thriving "Free" community. One family of descendants from Pennytown continue to build support to preserve what remains.

We stood at the overlook in Quindaro and viewed the ruins that remain close to the river. Once Steamboats provided goods to the thriving river town and antislavery settlement. The town, also part of the Underground Railroad, helped many slaves escape to freedom.

The success of the town soon declined and what remains today is a historic site that was almost turned into a landfill. It took the efforts of the community and supporters to save the archeological ruins of Quindaro.

Nearby, at the site of one of the first schools for African Americans, you'll find a tribute to John Brown, the Abolitionist. The supporters who have saved the Quindaro Ruins hope that with the help of community they can once again restore to town to its former glory.

One of the highlights of our trip was a visit to the Pleasant Green Plantation where we meet a woman who's family has owned the house since it was built by slaves in early 1800's. Winky, as she is called, is a charming woman, who, along with her friends, greeted us dressed in antebellum dress and provided refreshments for our visit.

She truly enjoys sharing the history of her home and ancestors who lived on the plantation that remains well preserved, and is filled with many remarkable remnants of her heritage. A interesting moment on this visit was watching one of Winky's friends weave with "Clean" Hemp, which was almost pure white. The "Dirty" Hemp, harvested by slaves and wove into heavy ropes is more of a dark yellow, which we saw on our visit to the Battle of Lexington site where the Civil War Battle of the Hemp Bales took place.

During our trip we debated to past with our group of friends and shared the impact of what we learned. It's true, the history books only tell part of the story of America's past and its Black History. There are many more stories to be told around every bend as we continue to Explore America's Backyard. Although we began our journey as strangers by the end of the trip we formed friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

<< Read Part 1 -  Read Part 3 >>

Plan Your Trip

To discover more about Missouri's intriguing history you can take a tour as we did by visiting the National Black Tourism Network online at www.tourism-network.net .

 Contact the Missouri Tourism News Bureau at (800) 865-8285 for more information about Missouri attractions and special events year-round or visit www.visitmo.com. 

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