For African American History Month, we’re exploring Cape Girardeau’s trove of related historical sites.

Due to ongoing construction at the historic Common Pleas Courthouse, visitors cannot currently enjoy Ivers Square. This area will soon be a remarkable addition to the history of Cape Girardeau! Say abreast on the updates and come visit these exciting downtown features when construction’s complete. You can also learn more about the square’s namessakes, James and Harriet Ivers, here.

The book African American Civil War History at Fairmount Cemetery is written by our very own local historian, Denise Lincoln, and shares the biographies of fifteen U.S. Colored Infantry (USCI) Soldier Veterans – most of whom enlisted right here in Cape Girardeau. The book is an easy afternoon read and the graves are located at the Fairmount Cemetery at 835 Caruthers Avenue.

Discover the sites that played a role in shaping local history with VisitCape’s African American History Driving Tour. You will be introduced to churches built by members of their congregation and learn how the Brown v. Board of Education ruling impacted schools in Cape Girardeau.  The tour brochure is available at the VisitCape office, or download it here. Since it’s a self-guided tour, there are no set times to participate and you can move at your own pace.

Learn more about African American History and Cape Girardeau: https://www.visitcape.com/a-lesson-in-cape-girardeaus-history-african-american-history-month/