Governor Thomas Clement Fletcher, Dedication

Help honor Thomas Clement Fletcher, Governor of the State of Missouri 1865-1869, with the dedication of his Missouri Governor marker. Thomas was the first native born son of Missouri to become Governor. He governed Missouri through the final years of the Civil War and the challenging beginning of Reconstruction. An abolitionist from a young age, Fletcher issued a “Proclamation of Freedom” on January 11, 1865, adding his personal endorsement to the ordinance passed the same day by the state constitutional convention, abolishing slavery in Missouri.

Speaking at the dedication will be Dr. Huss Ph.D. in American Studies from St. Louis University. Fletcher House will be present with artifacts from the Fletcher House located in Hillsboro, Missouri.

Ceremonies will be 11:30-12:30 lead by members of General Thomas C. Fletcher Camp #47 – Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and the Louisa Volker Auxiliary #215 – Auxiliary to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

Upon arriving at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum, proceed through the main gate and follow the directional arrows to the event location.