ARCHER ALEXANDER

This freedom seeker’s route to freedom was filled with hidden dangers in this border state that pitted neighbor against neighbor. On a cold winter’s night in 1863, Archer Alexander would overhear area men, southern sympathizers, plotting to destroy the local railroad bridge over the deep gorge with the Peruque Creek at the bottom. This was a vital link for the Union troops, with supply trains passing almost daily. This disaster would cost hundreds of lives, as the men had guns and ammunition stored in Captain Campbell’s ice house, for an attack on any that survived the crash. He knew this information was important, but also knew that he would be risking a lot to try to inform anyone.

He began to run to the north, over five miles that night, in the dark and cold, risking everything to inform the troops of the danger. These were local men, mostly German, under the command of Lt. Col. Arnold Krekel stationed at Fort Peruque, the blockhouse on the west side of the gorge. These men were the Union Army’s Home Guards, many were friends of his, German immigrants who he had helped build homes. He gave them the information and stayed a bit, deliberating on what to do next. The camp was filled with other freedom seekers as well, seeking refuge with the troops.

Somehow, someone figured out who the informant was! He knew he had to run, because if he was caught they would kill him. He had been warned. Making his way south, he joined sixteen other men also making their way to freedom. At about 3 am that cold winter’s night, as they were crossing the Missouri River on Thomas Howell’s ferry they were caught! The Slave Patrol were jubilent, and while word was sent of their success, they celebrated at the inn. Later, when everyone was asleep, Archer silently, and carefully managed to get out a second story window, without being caught. Slowly, he made his way to St. Louis, sleeping in barns and the woods, and only using the road during the night time hours. Two weeks later, he found the Butcher shop he had been given directions to. He knew it would be safe to answer yes, when asked if he was a “runaway”.

Archer Alexander was a freedom seeker who used the Underground Railroad.  He joined the National Park Service National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom in September of 2024, and his burial location of St. Peter’s UCC Cemetery is now part of the 700 sites already listed.