Jefferson City

Lincoln University of Missouri, located in Jefferson City, is a historically Black university with deep ties to African American history and culture. Established in 1866 by African American Civil War veterans of the 62nd and 65th United States Colored Infantry, it stands as the only HBCU founded by Black veterans. These soldiers, many of whom were formerly enslaved, pooled their resources to create an institution that would serve the educational needs of freed African Americans. The university's mission was to provide both academic and vocational training, reflecting the soldiers' belief in the power of education and labor. Richard Baxter Foster, a white abolitionist and former lieutenant in the 62nd Infantry, played a pivotal role in the university's founding and served as its first principal .

The university's connection to St. Louis is significant. St. Louis was a major hub for African American culture and activism during the 19th and 20th centuries. Many of the university's early students and faculty came from the St. Louis area, and the city played a crucial role in supporting the institution's growth. Additionally, Lincoln University has maintained outreach programs and partnerships in the St. Louis region, continuing its mission to serve the African American community and promote educational opportunities .

The need for institutions like Lincoln University was reinforced by events such as the 1938 Supreme Court case involving Lloyd Gaines, a Black student from St. Louis who applied to the University of Missouri Law School. Because Missouri did not offer a law school for Black students, Gaines was denied admission solely due to his race. His case—Missouri ex rel. Gaines v. Canada—resulted in a ruling that states providing education to white students must also provide it to Black students. But the ruling didn't solve the systemic issues overnight. For decades, Black Missourians continued to be excluded from institutions like the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), reinforcing the importance of having strong, well-resourced Black institutions like Lincoln University that could serve students denied equal access elsewhere.

Today, Lincoln University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including degrees in education, agriculture, business, and the sciences. The university remains committed to its founding principles of providing accessible education and fostering a supportive community for all students. Its rich history and ongoing contributions to higher education make it a cornerstone of African American heritage in Missouri and beyond.