Ozark Greenways

Springfield-Greene County African American Heritage Trail

African-American Heritage Trail marks significant moments in city’s history

The mission of the heritage trail is to continue to research and publish previously undocumented history and to involve the Springfield community in the identification and celebration of the contributions made by people of color to the community. In pursuit of that goal, the trail’s initial sites will follow along Jordan Creek Greenway trailThe Link, and signs directing people to other significant markers from the Jordan Creek Greenway trail.   

The African American Heritage Trail  will follow Jordan Creek Greenway trail that runs near several of the important sites, such as the Sherman Avenue Corridor, the former Lincoln High School, (Springfield’s black high school before integration, now known as Ozarks Technical Community College’s Lincoln Hall,) Jones Alley Business District, and the Historic Church Quadrangle (Washington Avenue Baptist Church, Benton Avenue AME Church, Gibson Chapel Presbyterian Church and Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church.)  Silver Springs Park, Springfield’s only public park open to black residents during segregation, was established in 1918 on land owned by Springfield school superintendent Jonathan Fairbanks, who had died the previous year. The night before Easter 1906, Fairbanks opened his home to black residents frightened by the lynching of three black men – Will Allen, Fred Coker and Horace Duncan – on Park Central Square. A memorial honoring the three men will be incorporated into the heritage trail.

Sites

The Sherman Avenue Corridor, The former Lincoln High School (Springfield’s black high school before integration, now part of OTC), The Jones Alley Business DistrictHistoric Black Churches: Washington Avenue Baptist Church, Benton Avenue AME Church, Pitts Chapel United Methodist, Gibson Chapel Presbyterian ChurchTimmons Temple (now called Timmons Hall in Silver Springs Park), & Park Central Square: 1906 Easter Lynchings

Funding & Donations

Contributions to the Heritage Trail are gratefully accepted and used to further develop the Trail. For more information, visit AfricanAmericanHeritageTrailSGF.org. To Donate, mail a check to Community Foundation of the Ozarks Springfield-Greene County  African-American Heritage Trail Fund, P.O. Box 8960, Springfield, MO 65801, or visit CFOzarks.org.

Trail Organizers

The organizers of the Springfield-Greene County African-American Heritage trail are a committee of citizens dedicated to sharing the history of the African-American people of Springfield and Greene County. The committee identifies sites and provides markers honoring locations deeply significant to the story of people of color.  Sponsors and partners include Bass Pro Shops, City of Springfield, Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Missouri State University, Ozark Greenways, and Springfield-Greene County Park Board.  Organizers include: Lyle Foster – business owner, Wes Pratt – MSU Chief Diversity Officer, Tim Knapp – MSU Sociology professor, Cheryl Clay – NAACP Springfield President, & Cora Scott – Springfield Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement 

Parking & Trail Access

Timmons Hall:  1055 E. Webster St., Springfield, MO 65802

 

Map

Download a printable version of this Ozark Greenways map

Suggested Itinerary

Download a printable suggested itinerary for this trail


Length

20 Historical Markers are planned

Terrain

Urban setting; pavement

Accessibility

Hours

Interactive Map

  • Gravel
  • Pavement
  • Mulch/Natural
  • Water
  • Bike Lanes
  • Shared Lane Markings
  • Signed Bike Route

Greenway Etiquette

Bicyclists
  • Show courtesy, greenways are for all users.
  • Yield right-of-way to pedestrians.
  • Keep to the right (except to pass).
  • Always pass on the left and give ample room.
  • Before you pass a pedestrian or another bicyclist, slow down and either ring a bell or politely call out “passing on your left”.
  • Stay single file in congested conditions.
  • Ride at a safe speed and enjoy the view.
All Users
  • Share the greenway; be considerate of all users.
  • Stay right, pass on the left. Announce when passing. 
  • If you stop, step off the greenway.
  • Turn down volume on earphones so that you can hear other greenway users.
  • Keep dogs on a leash and clean up after your pet.
  • Report trail hazards in Greene County to Springfield-Greene County Parks at 864-1049.
  • Call 911 to report crime.

We rely on the enthusiasm and financial support of the community.

Learn more about how you can help
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