To register for this free event, visit MaryMeachum.org

See you on May 16!

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Who is May Meachum?

Mary Meachum (1801–1869) and her husband, Reverend John Berry Meachum, were American abolitionists who dedicated their lives to educating and freeing enslaved people.
On the night of May 21, 1855, a small group of enslaved people met at Mary Meachum’s home downtown as the waypoint to start their journey to the river to attempt an escape in the area that is now part of the Mississippi Greenway:
Riverfront Trail north of the Merchant’s bridge. They intended to cross the Mississippi River to Illinois where slavery was outlawed. However, enslavers and law enforcement officials caught at least five of the enslaved people and arrested Mary for her participation in the plot.
She was charged in criminal court for helping the “fugitives” escape.
In 2001, the National Park Service recognized the site as part of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

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