Black History Month: Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing

See the 1855 Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing on the Riverfront Trail along the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Mo.

I also went across the historic 1910 McKinley Bridge into Illinois with views of the St. Louis skyline.

Normally I do walks, but this is more in an urban area, and would recommend doing the Riverfront Trail from downtown to Mary Meachum Crossing and McKinley Bridge as a bike ride.

This was a 10.43-mile ride with 290 feet of elevation gain. It involves city streets that might have potholes and gravel sections and an asphalt bike trail. Be watchful for broken glass or debris along the route.

Start of the Route

I found free street parking along N. 7th Street in the back of The Dome at America’s Center. Limited parking is at the Riverfront Trail lot. I wanted to park nearer to downtown in case I wanted to grab lunch at a nearby restaurant and in a more established neighborhood.

Heading Out

I headed down N. 7th Street then made a left down Cole Street crossing under Interstate 70 as it becomes Carr Street. Then I made a left onto Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd.

At the corner of Biddle and Lewis Street, which Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd. becomes, is the small parking lot for the Riverfront Trail.

*Taking the street to the left towards the Riverfront Trail.*

I continued on Lewis Street to O’Fallon Street where I made a right and then a left onto Commerce Street/Riverfront Trail.

*Another view of the warehouses along the road to the trail.*

Nearby is the abandoned Rootwad Park with sculptures done by Bob Cassilly. Sadly, it is now covered in graffiti.

Riverfront Trail to Mary Meacham Crossing

This section goes along the cement levee. Industrial sites and warehouses line the area to the west.

Next, I went under the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge which is high above me.

Before Branch Street, the trail goes up on the earthen section of the levee and then back down to Branch Street. If you go left at Branch you can head to the McKinley Bridge Bikeway which I did on my way back.

*When I did this ride they were still putting the finishing touches on the new railroad bridge.*

Then I went under the new Merchants Bridge for the railroad. The Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing is right after that.

Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing

Mary Meachum believed slavery was wrong, and she did something about it!

At this site along the Mississippi River on May 21, 1855, Meachum helped nine courageous enslaved people board a small boat with the goal of crossing the river to Illinois towards their freedom.

Today, this site is the home of the annual Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Celebration.

St Louis was a major city in a slave state and just across the Mississippi River was the free state of Illinois.

After reading about the importance of the crossing I started my way back along the trail.

Along with the sculpture you can see a large mural. (Main Blog Photo)

Riverfront trail mural — *Riverfront Trail mural*

The McKinley Bridge Trail

This time I made note of the cement levee with Riverfront Trail written on it, helping guide me along the way.

Then I made a right on Branch Street and then another right onto the trail using a former railroad connector to ride my bike across the McKinley Bridge.

I came up along the side of the road that crosses the bridge.

The bike trail goes on the outside of the metal enclosure which allows for views of St. Louis and the river below.

I crossed into Illinois marked by a green sign that makes the border, each side is spray painted with stickers.

Down below I saw sandy backfilled with wooden piers sticking up. There was probably a boat dock there one time. The St. Louis area was a major river port in the 1800s when the steamboat was the major way to travel.

McKinley Bridge Roadside Park

On the Illinois side flanked by a metal sculpture is the McKinley Bridge Roadside Park.

I found information on when Route U.S. 66 crossed the river using this bridge. The bridge was first known as the Municipal “Free” Bridge. Up the river, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge was also once used for Route 66 and involved a toll.

*You can read about the history of the Illinois side of the McKinley Bridge crossing.*

Other signs here talk about the bridge, industry, immigration, and the history of the area.

You can also continue on bike trails on the Illinois side for a longer ride.

After checking out the signs I headed back.

The McKinley Bridge was constructed in 1910.

Back Across the Bridge

This time I noticed on the side of the bridge was information on when it was built and who helped in its construction.

Looking west I could see the white column of the Bissell Street Water Tower and the red brick of the Grand Avenue Water Tower.

The two water towers are in fact standpipes encased in architecture and a critical part of St. Louis’s early water system. Standpipes absorbed surges from the late 19th century reciprocating water pumps, ensuring consistent water pressure.

*High steeples of a St. Louis city church*

Then I noticed two steeples of an old rock church.

*Look for these Bike Trail signs as you go.*

Next, I followed the signs back to the Riverfront Trail.

I looked to the right to see the smashing of metal, at an industrial site along the route.

Two alien beings done in spray paint greeted me as I made my way.

Old painted cotton gin — *Old-painted cotton gin*

If you look to your right, you can see the old cotton gin. Used now as a canvas painted yellow, red, and blue in places.

Back on Streets

This time I made a right onto Biddle Street heading by Al’s Restaurant, a well-known steakhouse that has been there for many years.

Then a left onto Broadway, right on Cole, and then another right on 7th Street my car.

*Riverfront Trail information sign near trail parking.*

Final Thoughts

This is an urban bike ride so be aware of your surroundings as you ride. Street and road conditions vary as you go. Also, parts of the trail on the other side of the levee can flood. Do not ride through that or near it since it can be very dangerous due to the fast-moving current and murky water of the Mississippi River.

Details

Drive: Take Interstate 44 north and take Exit 292 onto Lumiere Place Blvd. Then make a left onto Carr Street which becomes Cole Street. Look for parking along 6th or 7th Street. You can also park in nearby parking lots, but no matter where you park there is no guarantee that the car would not be broken into.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Address: Convention Center–

701 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101