Missouri’s Civil War Heritage Foundation Press Release
The Father Dickson Cemetery panel, to be dedicated on May 9, focuses on the prominent role of African-Americans in Missouri’s Civil War.
From: http://www.mocivilwar.org/age-grant-begins/
Educational Panel to Honor Missouri’s African American Soldiers Father Dickson Cemetery in Crestwood Will Dedicate Civil War Panel on May 9 Crestwood, MO.
Father Dickson Cemetery is already acknowledged by Grant’s Trail, a hiking and biking trail that is part of St. Louis’ Great River Greenways. Last year, the historic African American cemetery on Sappington Road, just south of Big Bend, was recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Efforts are under way to nominate the cemetery to the National Register of Historic Places. Now, Father Dickson’s will take its place as a stop on the state-wide Civil War driving trail known as the U. S. Grant Trail ™.
In ceremonies beginning at Noon, Saturday May 9, 2015, cemetery officials are dedicating a 2 foot by 3 foot interpretive panel that describes the historical significance of the cemetery and its namesake, Moses Dickson. The panel pays tribute to the battle records of two of Missouri’s regiments of U. S. Colored Troops, and to Lincoln University in Jefferson City, which was funded in part by donations by veterans of these regiments. This is in addition to the main theme of the panel, the life of American diplomat and educator James Milton Turner. Turner, who was appointed Minister to Liberia in 1871 by President Ulysses Grant, is buried at Father Dickson’s. He was the first person born in slavery to serve as a foreign diplomat for the United States.
Speakers for the May 9 event include Esley Hamilton, Preservation Historian for St. Louis County Parks, and historian, author Dr. Kris Zapalac. Members of the Ulysses S. Grant Camp 68, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, will serve as honor guard for the occasion.
The Father Dickson Cemetery panel was funded by grants from Lindenwood University in St. Charles and from the Missouri History Museum. More about the panel installations in the region may be learned at : http://www.mocivilwar.org/age-grant-begins/
“Father Dickson’s is the resting place of more than 12,000 souls, including veterans of all American wars from the Civil War to Korea,” said Ernest Jordan, President of the Friends of Father Dickson Cemetery. “We are pleased that the U. S. Grant Trail is highlighting the Civil War history that is here.” Jordan added that area volunteers have worked for years to restore the cemetery, and that credit goes to them and all who have supported our efforts over the years.
More information about Father Dickson Cemetery is available at the cemetery’s website,
And at St. Louis County library system
About Missouri’s Civil War Heritage Foundation
A 501(c)(3) educational organization, MCWHF was founded in 2001 to assist Missouri communities in interpreting and preserving their important Civil War heritage sites, and in marketing Missouri’s vast Civil War resources to visitors who will be traveling during the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.
About the U.S. Grant Trail
The U. S. Grant Trail ™ is a comprehensive tourism marketing initiative, which combines high quality regional maps with internet marketing and literature fulfillment services. The Trail, which is supported by the Missouri communities of Hannibal, Mexico, Washington, Pacific, St. Louis, Arcadia Valley, Cape Girardeau and New Madrid, highlights the places where the future President began his Civil War military career, together with sites in the St. Louis area tied to Grant’s years before and after the Civil War.
Missouri’s Civil War Heritage Foundation
For more information:
Caitlin O’Leary
Programs Manager
members@mocivilwar.org
col@mocivilwar.org
877-221-3133 or 314-645-4453
or visit mocivilwar.org
