1224 Bayard Avenue

Charlton Hunt Tandy was born free on December 16, 1836, in Lexington, Kentucky, to parents who had secured their freedom prior to his birth. As a young man, he and his family were active participants in the Underground Railroad, assisting enslaved individuals in their journey to freedom.

In 1857, Tandy relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, where he initially worked as a porter, coachman, and waiter. With the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in Company B of the 13th Missouri State Militia, eventually rising to the rank of captain. His military service laid the foundation for his subsequent roles in public service and civil rights activism.

Tandy was a fervent advocate for African American rights. He played a pivotal role in desegregating St. Louis streetcars by organizing boycotts and legal challenges against discriminatory practices. In 1870, he co-founded Lincoln Institute (now Lincoln University), the first higher education institution for African Americans in Missouri. Additionally, he was instrumental in integrating African American educators into the St. Louis public school system.

In 1879, during the Exoduster movement, Tandy established the Colored Refugee Relief Board to assist thousands of African Americans fleeing the South in search of better opportunities. He raised $10,000, provided food, shelter, and transportation to these migrants and advocated for their cause at the national level, including testifying before Congress.

During the 1880s, he worked to enforce an 1867 court order allowing blacks to ride inside public transportation vehicles. To prevent drivers from passing up black passengers, he grabbed the reins and held the horse until passengers - black and white alike - were allowed to board. Tandy was arrested for this action, but he was supported by Erastus Wells, the streetcar line owner, who paid his fine and said that blacks should be permitted to sit anywhere on the street cars.

In 1894, he passed the Missouri State Bar examination and established a law practice in Saint Louis. He spent his last days as the Republican committee man for the city's 10th award.

Tandy's commitment to public service was recognized through various federal appointments, including roles as a U.S. Marshal and a special agent for the General Land Office. He also served as vice president of the Missouri State Republican League.

Charlton H. Tandy passed away in 1919 and was laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in Hillsdale, Missouri. In honor of his enduring contributions, the city of St. Louis established Tandy Park and the Tandy Community Center at 4206 Kennerly Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63113. These landmarks serve as lasting tributes to a man whose life's work significantly advanced the cause of civil rights and community development in St. Louis.