For the first time, the 2026 Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Celebration will be held on the downtown St. Louis Riverfront, beneath the Gateway Arch. Themed “Seeking Freedom Long Before and Long After 1776,” the 24th annual celebration highlights enslaved peoples’ continuous fight for freedom in the context of celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by re-enacting the historic events of the Underground Railroad escape attempt of May 21, 1855.
The October 10 event is free and open to the public from 2-4 p.m. All ages are welcome to witness and reflect on how enslaved people, and their allies, risked it all in pursuit of basic freedoms.
After 23 years at the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing site on the Mississippi Greenway just north of the Merchant’s Bridge, organizers decided to move the theatrical production downtown to the performance area beneath the Gateway Arch so more people can experience this year’s play, a unique education and entertainment combination. The new venue is more accessible via downtown parking options, Laclede’s Landing MetroLink stop, and the Mississippi Greenway. Organizers still host small programs at the original location to keep the story and site alive.
“Some stories deserve more than a historical marker,” says Angie da Silva, historian and Mary Meachum event director. “They deserve voices, music, and engaged audiences. This event offers exactly that opportunity while honoring a woman whose courage still echoes across the river where freedom once beckoned.”
Audiences can expect much more than a traditional history presentation. A cast of 20 actors will bring scenes from America’s struggle for freedom to life through dramatic performances including historic spirituals that were sung by enslaved people, live music, and powerful storytelling tied directly to Missouri’s past. The cast includes child actors who play an important role reflecting the experiences of young people living under slavery. The program will be approximately one hour.
Guests can take MetroLink to the Laclede’s Landing station (accessible with elevator), then a 0.4-mile walk (~8 minutes) from the Metro Station to the event at the steps beneath the Gateway Arch. Use Metro Trip Planner to plan your route. If driving, guests can park on the levee if the water level allows. Directions and more information on Riverfront Parking here. Gateway Arch National Park parking info here. Parking is also available on Laclede’s Landing, 0.4 miles away. More information here.
Mary Meachum (1801–1869) and her husband, Reverend John Berry Meachum, were American abolitionists who dedicated their lives to educating and freeing enslaved people, after having been born into slavery themselves. On the night of May 21, 1855 – in the area that is now part of the Mississippi Greenway – Mary Meachum attempted to help a small group of enslaved people cross the Mississippi River to Illinois, where slavery was outlawed. However, enslavers and law enforcement officials caught at least five of the enslaved people and arrested Mary for her participation in the plot. She was charged in criminal court for helping the “fugitives” escape. Some of those attempting to escape to freedom were enslaved by Henry Shaw, founder of Missouri Botanical Garden and Tower Grove Park.
John Berry Meachum founded the first Black church west of the Mississippi River, creating one of the only places where enslaved and free Black residents could legally worship together. He also purchased enslaved people from owners, employed them in his barrel business until they repaid their purchase price, then secured their legal freedom while teaching them to read and write.
This event is made possible by many partners, including Angela da Silva, Great Rivers Greenway, and the Missouri Division of Tourism, with promotional support from Missouri Botanical Garden, Explore St. Louis, and the Missouri History Museum. For more information, visit www.MaryMeachum.org.