As the weather starts to warm up, take a moment to step outside and explore a different side of WashU’s history.
The “Enslavement and Its Wake” self-guided tour, part of the WashU & Slavery Project, explores the institution’s historical connections to slavery and its enduring effects. This tour allows participants to engage with the university’s past and reflect on its implications for the present and future.
The tour is accessible through an interactive map, allowing individuals to navigate various Danforth campus locations that hold historical significance related to enslavement. Beginning at the George Washington statue in front of Olin Library, it examines the university’s namesake, who held 317 people in slavery at the time of his death. Stops at Crow Hall, Ellenwood Avenue, and other sites locations uncover the connections between WashU’s founders and the institution of slavery, offering detailed narratives and insights that shed light on the university’s complex history.
By participating in this walking tour, members of the university community and the public can gain a deeper understanding of how the legacy of enslavement has shaped the institution. This initiative encourages reflection and dialogue, fostering a more comprehensive appreciation of the university’s history and its ongoing journey toward inclusivity and acknowledgment of past injustices.
For those interested in exploring this aspect of Washington University’s history, the “Enslavement and its Wake” tour offers a valuable resource for education and contemplation.