A Memorial Service for Archer Alexander, celebrated for his Day of Freedom will be held on Sunday, September 21st, 2025, at 1:00 pm in the St. Peter’s United Church of Christ Cemetery at 2101 Lucas and Hunt, in Normandy (St. Louis) Missouri. This event will include a one-act play called “Louisa” performed by actress Peggy Neely Harris which recognizes Archer Alexander’s life and accomplishments. Other speakers will include Ibn Ali, the great great-great-great grandson of Archer Alexander and nephew of Muhammad Ali, and historian Dorris Keeven-Franke. A presentation by sculptor Abraham Mohler will share the new memorial and monument being planned at St. Peters U.C.C. Cemetery. Archer Alexander is recognized as a site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, one of more than 800 sites in this country. He is the icon for Emancipation as he is the enslaved man rising with Lincoln on the Emancipation Memorial in Washington, D.C.’s Lincoln Park. Everyone is welcome, and the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Archer Alexander was the last fugitive slave captured in Missouri, and received his freedom on September 24, 1863, for his important services to the United States Military (Union) after informing them of a plot to destroy a local railroad bridge. He saved hundreds of lives, and a vital link conveying troops, funds and supplies for the Union Army in 1863. After risking his life he took sixteen men from Dardenne Prairie and crossed the river at Howell’s Ferry on a dark February night, using the Underground Railroad. His story is one of over 800 sites that honors, preserves and promotes the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight, which continues to inspire people worldwide, run by the National Park Service.
Sculptor Abraham Mohler has been chosen for the Archer Alexander Memorial that will be placed in the St. Peter’s UCC Cemetery. Funds are being raised through the St. Louis Arts Chamber of Commerce.
The burial site of Archer Alexander is listed on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
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